PDA

View Full Version : Listening to classical


FrostedNipple
27-02-2009, 21:40
Anyone else find they listen to classical music and actually like it? I remember when I was a kid and I would refuse to like it. But it really is quite empowering. Very fulfilling. Anyone else enjoy it?

leowyatt
27-02-2009, 21:46
Yes I listen to classical music. I think with that style of music you need to find a style you really like. I didn't refuse to listen to it when I was younger but I just couldn't get into it. It was only when I was taking my A-Levels did I actually start to appreciate classical music. That was all thanks to a teacher who took the time to go through various composers to find one that spoke to me.

For example I am a big fan of Rachmaninoff. The misus cries when she listens to Bolero and loves Barber (adagio) but we are both huge fans of dance music.

Dee
27-02-2009, 21:46
Me. I love classical :)

phykell
27-02-2009, 22:05
Yes and I'm just about to do my piano practice :cool:

Remember, classical music used to be popular music.

Slinwagh
27-02-2009, 22:19
I like some, I have bought a good few songs on iTunes.

luke
27-02-2009, 22:52
cant say its my cup of tea TBQFH ;)

cleanbluesky
27-02-2009, 22:55
Yes and I'm just about to do my piano practice :cool:

Remember, classical music used to be popular music.

To those who could afford to attend recitals

phykell
27-02-2009, 23:53
To those who could afford to attend recitals
Plenty of lunch-time concerts around, often free or low cost.

The larger concert venues are always going to be expensive but you just have to look around at the smaller, more local places. There's loads of amazing talent out there - you don't have to buy in to the idea of there only being a few famous musicians or orchestras worth seeing :)

phykell
27-02-2009, 23:54
cant say its my cup of tea TBQFH ;)
Like other music, classical music is best heard live. It really doesn't suit any sort of recording IMO and it's worth spending some effort getting into.

cleanbluesky
28-02-2009, 01:12
Plenty of lunch-time concerts around, often free or low cost.

The larger concert venues are always going to be expensive but you just have to look around at the smaller, more local places. There's loads of amazing talent out there - you don't have to buy in to the idea of there only being a few famous musicians or orchestras worth seeing :)

When I've been to classical, I've paid the price... I don't want to be up in the clouds.

I was commenting on the fact that you said it used to be popular - but popular music is REALLY popular because its so much more accessible than music used to be. It's also really simple.

phykell
28-02-2009, 02:32
When I've been to classical, I've paid the price... I don't want to be up in the clouds.

I was commenting on the fact that you said it used to be popular - but popular music is REALLY popular because its so much more accessible than music used to be. It's also really simple.
Can't agree with that.

What some might call classical music now was always accessible. Before the TV, the piano was the main source of entertainment in the home and typically, the piano stool would be stuffed full of the household's favourite music including classical, dance hall, blues, etc. Sheet music itself was cheap as it is even today and AFAIC it's still as accessible as ever - I watched a Sarah Connor Terminator Chronicles the other day and the female terminator was performing ballet to a Chopin Nocturne. I downloaded a copy of the music the next day. I played it this evening a couple of times and it's already sounding pretty much OK :cool:

You've got a guitar - how much more accessible can music be if you can play an instrument? :)

FrostedNipple
01-03-2009, 00:44
Is there any guides anywhere that can tell you the big names in classical music, and the songs they have made? I am quite new to liking it really. I find the peacefulness of it awesome. No vocals either which is good.

currently listening to this and enjoying very much http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz4dpbk8YBs

FrostedNipple
01-03-2009, 01:08
How awesome is this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipzR9bhei_o

I would never be able to learn the organ like that :(

phykell
01-03-2009, 19:38
Just buy a classical favourite collection on CD and start from there. Most of the popular stuff will on it. You'll get a lot of enjoyment doing your own research to find the stuff you like. More than anything though, take up an instrument.

FrostedNipple
01-03-2009, 22:04
Just buy a classical favourite collection on CD and start from there. Most of the popular stuff will on it. You'll get a lot of enjoyment doing your own research to find the stuff you like. More than anything though, take up an instrument.

I've been thinking about becoming a composer. I.e. making drum and bass tunes on he pc. Not really sure how hard it is, but I'm sure the more practise i get the better i will become. And then of course i actually have a chance of making a small amount of cash from it. I think after I've done my work, i will look into what pc software is available.

phykell
02-03-2009, 00:24
How awesome is this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipzR9bhei_o

I would never be able to learn the organ like that :(
If you like that you'll love this:

Zd_oIFy1mxM
Watch for the assistant helping with the stops and the footwork required for the pedals.

It's actually not too bad to play on something like the piano; but while I've played it on a church organ as well, there's no way I'm up to doing all the keyboard linking without an assistant and the pedalling is *really* difficult. Think of how difficult it is to play a double linked bass drum and then multiply that several times. You need to try it to truly appreciate how skilled these organists are.

Will
02-03-2009, 09:06
I adore classical music, but I was brought up with a classical upbringing (i.e. learning latin, ancient greek and studying music and art etc...). Although I'm not a fan of modern "classical" music, I very much adore opera and symphonies, concertos etc... In fact in my car at the moment I have a 40 of the best arias CD which really sets me up but it's very evocative and moving so it's not always best suited for easy listening. It can be quite intense and emotionally stimulating.

I think it's a shame it's not as popular among the younger generation as it was as I think it is music in it's purest form. Nothing gives me a frisson like it.

Goose
02-03-2009, 14:42
I took my partner to a concert last week. Despite being the youngest person there (by a fair distance!) I loved it, and we'll be heading to London for the next one.

CDs are OK, but seeing it live does it for me.

Darrin
02-03-2009, 19:31
I adore classical music, but I was brought up with a classical upbringing (i.e. learning latin, ancient greek and studying music and art etc...). Although I'm not a fan of modern "classical" music, I very much adore opera and symphonies, concertos etc... In fact in my car at the moment I have a 40 of the best arias CD which really sets me up but it's very evocative and moving so it's not always best suited for easy listening. It can be quite intense and emotionally stimulating.

I think it's a shame it's not as popular among the younger generation as it was as I think it is music in it's purest form. Nothing gives me a frisson like it.


I can't agree more.

Two words, mate. Nessun Dorma!!

phykell
02-03-2009, 21:00
CDs are OK, but seeing it live does it for me.
I can't stress how important a point this is. There is surely no other sort of music which loses so much by being "recorded" and "reproduced".

Darrin
03-03-2009, 05:58
Especially the 1812 overture. Particularly when it's done properly. And I don't mean with large drums...

Will
03-03-2009, 10:06
I can't stress how important a point this is. There is surely no other sort of music which loses so much by being "recorded" and "reproduced".

I agree. I try and go to the RA Hall or such venue at least once a year. I can't believe how much of a frisson I get from beautiful powerful music straight from the instruments with no digital processing or reproduction. Pure music/sound.

Goose
03-03-2009, 12:04
I'm ashamed to admit to the fact that I've never been to the RA.

My current favourite place is the Anvil in Basingstoke. Easy to get to, and the acoustics are brilliant.

BD Classical Musical Meetical time? :cool:

Will
03-03-2009, 12:16
I'd be up for that. Nothing better than dressing up in a tux and going for a smart meal and have an evening of relentless hedonism and debauchery! :D

phykell
04-03-2009, 10:30
I agree. I try and go to the RA Hall or such venue at least once a year. I can't believe how much of a frisson I get from beautiful powerful music straight from the instruments with no digital processing or reproduction. Pure music/sound.

We go to the Liverpool Philharmonic fairly often - it's a great orchestra and doesn't just stick to the traditional classical music. They'll do theme evenings with music from the movies and being there, listening to the music being played with no amplification - just the acoustics of the hall, really brings the music alive. You'd think that music like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star wars would be pretty hackneyed by now but that's just not the case. Played live, they're amazing :cool:

Will
04-03-2009, 11:31
I watched the BBC Philharmonic play for Elbow - such a great mix of a modern "band" with an incredible accompaniment.

Right that's it I need to look for some more concerts!

Fayshun
04-03-2009, 11:38
Especially the 1812 overture. Particularly when it's done properly. And I don't mean with large drums...

I've got a CD of this with the church bells of Gothenburg and the Swedish Artillery taking the place of the drums. Awesome!!

IIRC Herbert von Karajan is conducting.

phykell
04-03-2009, 11:48
I've got a CD of this with the church bells of Gothenburg and the Swedish Artillery taking the place of the drums. Awesome!!

IIRC Herbert von Karajan is conducting.
Yes, I'd love to see it with the cannons!

The most memorable concert I went to was "The Planets" played live and outside at Jodrell Bank observatory. They had a laser show, with the main dish used as the "screen". The orchestra opened with "Mars" - the dish had been turned away from the audience and as the music started, the dish started to turn to face us.

I can't explain how dramatic and utterly awesome it was. It was absolutely throwing down as well but no-one cared - it was just an amazing thing to be a part of :cool:

They also played the theme from "2001: A Space Odyssey" and a few other "space-related" pieces.

Fayshun
04-03-2009, 11:55
Yes, I'd love to see it with the cannons!

The most memorable concert I went to was "The Planets" played live and outside at Jodrell Bank observatory. They had a laser show, with the main dish used as the "screen". The orchestra opened with "Mars" - the dish had been turned away from the audience and as the music started, the dish started to turn to face us.

I can't explain how dramatic and utterly awesome it was. It was absolutely throwing down as well but no-one cared - it was just an amazing thing to be a part of :cool:

They also played the theme from "2001: A Space Odyssey" and a few other "space-related" pieces.

That does sound pretty damn cool!

Joe 90
04-03-2009, 14:23
i've got just two classical albums, my favourite being by a korean (임동혁) pianist, Bach - Goldberg Variations & Chaconne

wouldn't mind some more, love this album :)

Von Smallhausen
04-03-2009, 21:29
I have had a like for classical music for years as I used to play for a youth orchestra when I was at school.

Mozart's 21st Adente concertio and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata I could listen to all day.

Fayshun
04-03-2009, 21:30
Bach - Goldberg Variations

Hannibal Lector listened to that as he murdered Sgt Jim Pembury and Lt. Boyle. ;)