How do we value

The artistry of this

Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Copyright to Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Paris), 2004, Concerto Köln; Susanna: Rosemary Joshua, Cherubino: Angelika Kirchschlager, Conductor: René Jacobs

Over this

Copyright to Lin Manuel Miranda and the cast and crew of Hamilton (2015); Burr: Leslie Odom, Jr., Lafayette: (The) Daveed Diggs, Washington: Christopher Jackson

Or this

Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance (originally produced 1879/1880). Copyright to the cast and crew of The Pirates of Penzance 1983 film; Frederic: Rex Smith, Ruth: Angela Lansbury, The Pirate King: Kevin Kline, Director: Wilford Leach, Producer: Joseph Papp

If the artistry is there, why should rap be valued any less than a patter song or a recitative? If you argue the artistry isn’t there, how do you frame your arguments?

What is the difference between fans learning Korean to sing along at a Blackpink concert, and others spending hundreds of dollars to listen to European opera being sung in Italian, French, Czech, Russian, or German (though certainly there are English language operas, even American ones, and certainly American composers of more classically orchestral pieces).

Is it the subject matter? Perception of class and status? Perceived tradition of heritage? The style? Or is it the language?

How do we express one artist as having greater culture or value than another?