Showing posts with label music necktie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music necktie. Show all posts

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Would Beethoven Ever Have Worn a Music Tie


Ludwig van Beethoven wearing a cravatte
Music theme ties are for the music lover in all of us, not just musicians.

Would Beethoven ever have worn a music necktie? This hypothetical question could be answered as, yes - well probably, would be a better answer. He was a bit of an eccentric, not that it is a bad thing to be a little crazy.  After all, aren’t all artists eccentric?  Being eccentric is what makes them artists.  Not that you have to be nuts to wear novelty neckties, you just have to have the right personality and you would need to be comfortable with receiving a lot of attention. 

Music neckties could never have been imagined by Beethoven at the end of the 18th century, a little more than 200 years ago, The tie, or cravatte as it was called at the time, was a serious accessory to a man’s attire.  Any garment that was customary in that era would not have been designed as novelty themed fashion.

Born in 1770 in Bonn Germany, he became musically recognized as a court musician when he began supporting himself and his family at a very young age do to his father's alcoholism. At twenty years old, a composition of great value while under the tutelage of German composer Christian Gottlob Neefe became cause for his study in Vienna with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart’s death in 1791 prevented this from occurring; however Beethoven went to Vienna and became the student of Austrian composer Joseph Haydn. Surely Mozart was no easy act to follow at the turn of the 19th Century in Vienna.  The sensational composer that he would become, Ludwig Von Beethoven was at first stigmatized having to measure up to Mozart.

Vienna Opera House

At the age of 18 he started experiencing a loss of hearing which of all things was the most important of the five senses to a musician.   Despite the severity of his condition he was capable of composing works that to this day are valued as timeless symphonies.  Truly a testament to his genius was the fact that could hear the notes in his head.

He became quite popular due to his piano improvising none the less his compositions with Viennese music publishers. His style of music veered from what many thought to be a refinement of Mozart’s work which afforded him great success with the market for published music, something that had evaded Mozart a decade earlier. In the first decade of the 19th century he illustrated the complete Viennese classical style of symphony, concerto, string quartet, and sonata.

Perhaps Beethoven's best known classical work ever is his 5th Symphony which took about four years to complete in 1808; performed in Vienna's Theater an der Wien.   Other popular works remembered in modern times evolved from the Symphony number 3 – Erotica, 1803 and Symphony number. 8 – 1812.    

Much of Europe was at the mercy of Napoleon from 1804 to 1815 with an occupation of Vienna in 1805 creating political stress in Austria.  Although he had achieved success as a composer he was distraught with his personal life and the world.  The height of his fame was realized in this period however his hearing impairment worsened, causing him great difficulty in his life as he was ofter ridiculed and laughed at due to his flawed hearing. He became socially isolated as a result which isolation which resulted in eccentric behavior becoming more apparent. Increasingly avoiding public appearances, 1814 saw his last performance. His difficulty with his love for women who were not within his reach due to their social status or the fact that were married caused him great pain. By 1818 he had become virtually deaf. This and other conflicts he had with family caused him to become a recluse with only a small circle of friends that he valued. His music became less fashionable with the exception of his Symphony Number 9. Although he had fallen from grace his funeral was attended by tens of thousands on March 26th 1827 in Vienna.

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
In all he composed 9 symphonies, 7 concertos ( 5 for pianos ), 17 string quartets, 32 piano sonatas for cello and piano, an opera, 2 masses, several overtures, and numerous sets of piano variations. He is regarded as the representation of romanticism music style, and the greatest example of the classical style of Vienna. He personified the image of an artist being romantic through his symphonic style of drama.

The passion in his music has won the hearts and appreciation of generation after generation. For those who love Ludwig van Beethoven, or for those who just love music -  wearing music ties is a ritual more than like the habit of wearing such a fashion accessory. A necktie, especially a novelty tie illustrates a man’s artistic values and is a clue to his character better than anything else; save possibly having a half shaved head and a rainbow spiked hair doo highlighted with music note tattoos on your forehead. Wearing novelty theme music ties illustrating your love for music is much less severe and certainly a more socially accepted method of expression for sure.



Visit Ties.com to buy quallity neckties

Saturday, January 8, 2011

The Peacock Effect: For the Sake of Originality Let's Ditch the Necktie



The Peacock Effect and men's fashion
I do not agree with "ditching the necktie" but that is part of the title of this blog post as I found it on Daily Music Press Blog searching for an image for our previous post. 


I have always said that a man wearing a necktie, especially a very colorful and bold design was emulating the same characteristics as a peacock in nature. Male Peacocks display their feathers in a show of colorful passion. As part of a defensive character and a show of strength this display of nature is sensational. Much like a well dressed man adorning a suit complemented by a tie. - Jeffrey Hunter




Monday, July 26, 2010 - The Daily Music Press, industry, opinions, news, breaking artists


Ok, It might be imperative to pre-empt this post with the fact that even I have fallen victim to this now, very defunct fashion statement as a musician. Regardless, I was hoping, our community as a whole could mark today as the day we officially lose the necktie as a stylish "alternative" fashion statement for stage or promotional wear.

Let's just spend a short moment trying to understand why the necktie was successful in the first place. Let's break the third wall and think about why this was considered cool and whom or what "made" it cool.

Well, the necktie is traditionally used by professionals in a business setting. Therefore, the necktie makes a few unspoken statements and has it's own ingrained associations. Loosely put, the necktie says: Mature, professional, business, serious, smart, etc. The originator of necktie use in a musical/concert setting (we won't name names) was trying to (whether deliberately or not) create what is considered the "Peacock Effect" by wearing the necktie in a setting that is not usually associated with most of the above terms.


Whether trying to be less revolutionary or just being cool in
their own way - the Beatles sported ties in their early days.
What is the "Peacock Effect?": In a loose definition, the "Peacock Effect" is an effect created when one uses something (in many cases something visual, such as odd colors on clothing, various accessories that are out of the norm, etc.) to stand out in a crowd. Much like an actual peacock would with it's bright colors, etc.

What is another example a the use of the "Peacock Effect" in musical history?

The use of extreme makeup and big hair by the 80's female rock stars, and for men it was not just long hair it was ultra fashioned clothing, leather, and at times bold and outrageous accessories, example - Elton John's wild hats and the “wild” made up faces of Kiss.


What usually happens when the Peacock Effect is overused?

The odd use of the new item in a different setting almost always "stands out" at first, but over time that item usually develops it's own, new associations. For example, the use of the necktie in a musical setting is now usually associated with a singer-songwriter because of it's overuse by this group of musicians. Not only is it no longer original, but it's purpose (to stand out) is pretty much defeated.


Even country star Dierks Bentley
has jumped on the skinny tie bandwagon.



In a quick example that doesn't involve music: For a short while 5 years ago, a male could achieve head-turning attention by wearing pink clothing. Over time, this became less effective with the increasing popularity of the color and the implementation of the association term: "metrosexual." Thus categorizing the use of the color by males. This not only made the use more accepted, but even a standard color choice for men.

This is not to say that musicians are looking for attention, per se. Perhaps you wear the necktie because you find it comfortable, or you usually do when you aren't on stage? But the goal of stage and promotional wear is to wear something unique, something that the audience isn't wearing. You are the star, you are looking to set yourself apart and in essence create an "image." I have personally been told true stories of a record label requiring their musicians, by contract, to wear black socks as opposed to the standard white in order for the band to set themselves apart. Sadly, these types of unique statements are no longer being made by the necktie and only time will tell what will take it's place. Maybe it's just me, but I am hoping it's replacement comes soon. Until then, I am sure that we will continue to see it onstage and through camera lenses.

Check out this related post Neckties and Rock and Roll


Visit Ties.com to buy quallity neckties

Friday, September 10, 2010


Elvis Neckties Are The King of Rock and Roll


Elvis ties are special collector items

If you love Elvis Presley and want to express yourself by wearing a necktie illustrating the King of Rock and Roll then you're in luck. These official licensed collector ties are no longer made so you will want to visit Nice Tie Store to find the perfect Elvis necktie. Ralph Marlin designed many neckties illustrating Elvis in the 90's along with other Hollywood and rock and roll legends.

Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother was still born leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. Elvis's music influences were pop and country, church gospel and black rhythm and blues. Discovered in 1954 by Sun Records of Memphis as a truck driver, he was an instant sensation worldwide. RCA Victor bought his contract soon afterwards.

Elvis Presley Jail House Rock
Elvis's unique sound and style ushered in a whole new era of American music. He starred in 33 films, appeared in countless television performances, staged record breaking concerts and sold over one billion records more than any other recording artist. He earned gold, platinum, and multi platinum awards for 150 albums and singles and received 14 Grammy nominations winning 3.

His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.



Elvis Tie
Elvis Album Covers Tie
Elvis Necktie
Elvis Collector Item
















Hollywood Movie Star neckties at www.nicetiestore.com

Official Elvis Web Site

wikipedia the Internet Encyclopedia - Elvis Presley

Youtube.com Jail House Rock by Elvis Presley


Visit Ties.com to buy quallity neckties