h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I recall my music theory prof talking about "innovation". He described a cycle of a composer introducing a shocking change from the norm, then eventual acceptance, imitation by others, and finally it becomes a cliche (or more favorably, part of the "repertoire"). An example is Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" which caused a riot at its premiere in Paris (I think). Another example is Beethoven, whose First Symphony has a short introduction that is virtually atonal ... but then being a businessman, he returns to the expected form. This kind of cycle has continued to the present day, when mothers are singing Eminem songs (to the disgust of their daughters, I understand).

When I see Picasso's work now, it reminds me of some modern illustrator's work - not a bad thing, I like commercial art in most cases.