Do modern performers have the freedom to interpret music of the past in ways that the original composers may not have intended?

Yes, modern performers have the freedom to interpret music of the past in ways that the original composers may not have intended. Our earth has evolved and in turn so have our society and people. The original composers of music like classical music, had a disadvantage because they were only able to write about what was happening and what they thought might happen in the future. There are other kinds of music that we misinterpret because we were not living in those times. This gives modern performers and original composers a disadvantage but modern composers are able to do research about what was going on during that time. This will help them to understand what the songs are about and how to convey them when performing.

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Answernon-religious themes became more popular, and people also wanted to show off their wealth because painting was a sign of this at the time;