For once, I think Reiner and I are in complete agreement (except perhaps on abstract instrumental music - more on that another time). What I really take exception is those who can accept that under fascism or communism music-making is 'politicised', but can't accept that this could at least be equally true of music created in feudal or capitalist societies.
Certainly, I'd agree with most of that. The only problem is how to create
anything that isn't a part of the system.
The alternative, I suppose, is silence. The danger, of course, is ideological rectitude that becomes self-serving. A refusal to participate. Or worse: in that the silence serves the powers that be in presenting zero opposition/argument/dissent. Indeed, no aesthetic alternative to their world.
As Guy Debord pointed out :).
