Doug McLennan Blames Collapse of 'Civic Middleware' for Classical Music Crisis
In a Bachtrack interview, Douglas McLennan argues that America's classical music crisis stems from the disappearance of the 'civic middleware'—critics, radio hosts, and record-store owners who once made music findable and meaningful. Over the past twenty years, this layer has largely collapsed, severing the connection between artists and audiences.
Key facts
- Douglas McLennan gave an interview to Bachtrack.
- He coined the term 'civic middleware' for cultural intermediaries.
- Middleware includes newspaper critics, classical radio hosts, and record-store owners.
- This layer has largely collapsed over the past twenty years.
- The collapse has worsened the relationship between artists and audiences.
- The interview was published in June 2026.
- McLennan is a prominent arts journalist and commentator.
- The crisis affects classical music in the United States.
Entities
Artists
- Douglas McLennan
Institutions
- Bachtrack
- ArtsJournal
Locations
- United States