Any fans of classical music here?

[Haltickling]

Seeing all those threads about rock music here in the TMF, I sometimes wonder whether we also have some fans of classical music here.

Personally, I like instrumental classical music, most of all the symphonies of Dvorak, Smetana, Bruckner, and Sibelius. I also enjoy most opera overtures (yes, even Wagner!), but I'm not very fond of most opera voices (especially soprano).

I found my interest awakened when I traveled as a tour guide for the Munich Philharmonics with their former director Sergiu Celibidache, one of the most fascinating people I've ever met.

Now, how about you?

 

[Dave2112]

I'm kind of a Mozart nut. My favorite is his Symphony #40, which I once translated into a synthesizer piece that was fairly cool.

I like rock and progressive music, but rely on classical when I want to relax or focus. Most of the music I like is derived from classical themes, so it goes to figure. My cousin has gotten me into chamber music recently, but I don't really have a favorite, it's more of a "themed feel" for me.

 

[Deleted member 2452]

i have several.

carmen, man of lamancha, madam buterfly, south pacific, etc.
my favorite classical piece is balero, by ravel. beautifully haunting.

steve

 

[the_Baron]

i originally became interested in classical music thru the romantic composers - tchaikovsky and rachmaninoff in particular. over time, my tastes became more refined, and i have come to understand and love the genius that is beethoven.

others i really enjoy now include bach and vivaldi.

and as for opera, i adore the barber of seville. and wagner is also a musical genius.

 

[AffectionateDan]

Can't miss with a good rendition of 'Carmina Burana'...

...or perhaps 'Night on Bald Mountain'. Oooh, or 'Mars, Bringer of War' from Holst's 'The Planets'. Gotta love big symphony orchestral music, with it's brass and thunder. Whoooeee! 'Fanfare for the Common Man' is another favorite. My clock radio is tuned to the local classical station, to wake me to actual music.

 

[The Pianist]

Though I don't choose to listen to classical music normally (I preferr certain jazz artists and some contempoary bands like Tool and A Perfect Circle)... I do very much enjoy playing classical music.

Actually, I used to enjoy classical music in general... but now days, I am realising that I actually preferr romantic music and beyond into impressionism and the like. I especially like Rachmaninov, Scarlati and Prokofiev... they also have the added bonus of nice big chords that nicely fit my nice large hands.

 

[WraithTickler]

Love classical music, especially Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Favorite piece of all time- Canon in D.

 

[Knox The Hatter]

I love Tchaikowsky. If you lay down and turn off the lights, and you listen to it, the pictures literally come to life in your mind. His waltzes are as graceful as any ever composed.
With Beethoven, it's a spirit and a gusto that can't be duplicated, a majesty...
Liszt's piano concertos, among his other work, leave a signature. I can turn on the radio, and know his style in an instant.
I also like both Vivaldi and Handel. I lose myself in my fiction writing when I put either of them into the drive.
And Mozart? Mozart. He wrote his first minuet at age four. His first (of HUNDREDS) of his symphonies at age six. He wrote more pieces of music (it all had to be catalogued) than there are pages in the United States Tax Code. The Encyclopaedia Britannica called him "the greatest musical genius the world has ever known."
Look, here we are, there are many, many people listening to the music of these composers centuries after their deaths. Ten years from now, VH1 will have a special on whatever happened to Beyonce Knowles. I'll laugh because I couldn't possibly care less 😛

 

[Haltickling]

Hmm, more classic lovers than I thought. Thanks for the response, folks!

Personally I prefer my classic music in minor keys, with a little of the Slavic melancholic soul in it. Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and most Italian composers sound too "happy" for me. The "adagio" is good to relax when stressed, but I definitely must avoid it when depressed... Did you know that cows produce more milk when classic music is played in the stable? 😛

Does anyone Dvorak's 9th symphony "From the New World"? He wrote that piece after a visit to the states, and he used harmonies he had found there in spirituals and country music. Those surprising harmonies must have electrified the European audience of his time, as they were yet unknown to them. Many songs in Wild West flicks, even the "Marlboro" theme used elements from this symphony! Yet, during my trips to the US, I've never met an American who knew this fascinating music. Check it out, it's quite worthwhile! 😎

 

[His Divine Shadow]

I must raise my hand as well. All the famous ones, Handel, Beethoven, Motzart, are all old favorites of mine. I love operas, and fortuneately I have been living near a rather active theater. Classical music gives me something most modern music can't: a soothing, fluid, flawless performance.

 

[Iluv2Btickled]

String Queen here!!😎 I play the viola. I'm a freshman in college trying to get my Bachelor in Music performance. All of the above mentioned composers and songs, I've played numerous times. I have been playing my instrument for 13 years and love it everytime I'm able to play. I am a huge fan of classical music, but I dont restrict myself to listening to just that because I'm a classical musician.

Oh if you havnt read any of my what-seems-like-an-obsession posts about the string quartet, bond, I suggest you look them up.


www.bond-music.com

 

[desdemona]

The majority of my CD's are classical. It's great for doing a road trip, but I can't find too many passengers who'll tolerate it 🙂

I'm familiar with Dvorak's piece. Personally, I prefer vocal pieces as I was a voice student myself. Sadly, I don't get to enjoy as much time singing these days. But I digress.

Handel's Messiah has always been a fave. I also enjoy Poulenc's Stabat Mater - very haunting and not too many "happy" pieces. And for truly haunting notes, check out Leonard Bernstein's "Chicester Psalms."

And Dan, who can hear Carl Orff's Carmina Burana without thinking of Excalibur? 😉

 

[venray]

Mozart, and Beethoven..my 2 favs..I often listen to them while posting...I have always loved classical music..

*would love to be your travel partner Des*

 

[desdemona]

Ok, Ven, it's a deal...would you prefer Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" or Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" ?

 

[venray]

I would lean towards Beethoven I think...I LOVE the 9'th symphony...😀


http://www.wned.org/default.asp

 

[Haltickling]

EQ!!! How good to hear from you again!

About Gregorian chants: During my honeymoon in Paris, we went to a nice restaurant called "Le Monastaire", stretching over three floors underground like an ancient dungeon. The waiters were dressed as monks, all dishes had names like "The Saint's Temptation" or "The Damnation", the whole place was illuminated by real candles only, and the background music were Gregorian chants. An incredible atmosphere!

I'm not sure about the Marlboro theme's origin, just stating that the harmonies reminded me of Dvorak's New World Symphony. I don't know anything about the Quakers' song though. Maybe I can find a recording of Tchaikovski's 1812 Overture, I'll try. Thanks for the hint! I think I have a CD with the Mendelssohn piece somewhere, my collection is rather in disorder after my recent move.

So much music to hear, and so little time!

 

[phatteus]

Hey everyone, I'm more of a rock and roll fan myself, but I have been known to enjoy a classical tune now and again. If you can cosider the Ave Maria (not Celine's version) classical, then count me into the club! I also have made it a family tradition (much to the dismay of my family) to listen to Handel's "Messiah" every December 23rd. I love it, and find it quite soothing.

I also dig the popular stuff like the Ode to Joy, Brahm's Lullabye, most of the Verdi stuff. But like I said, I'm more of a rock and roll kind of guy. I really like "A Lover's Concerto" by the Toys....
(If you get that joke, you have my respect in this subject)

 

[trepak]

As a professional musician I like a lot of music no matter what style it is - as long as it's good. And I really try to be open-minded about any sort of music (which is not easy when you listen to most of the popular stuff).
When it comes to classic my favorite is Hector Berlioz. No doubt about it. I like russian chants too - like the ones of Boris Feoktiskov.
But right now I'm more into the jazz/fusion thing.......

 

[desdemona]

EQ...are you thinking of Simple Gifts from Copeland's Appalachian Spring? That's the most quaker like motif I know...

The 1812 Overture is like.....cannonballs booming and war fanfare. Napoleonic stuff. Stratego theme song (am I dating myself or what???)

And Ven, since I can't really say I'm familiar with Beethoven's other choral works (Eroica...Fidelio....anyone?), I'd have to go to with Ode to Joy..at least it's more uplifting for driving.

 

[venray]

Any time you wish, Des.....😀

 

[desdemona]

Well, EQ, I can hear the beef jingle...not sure about Marlboro...I always think of Christian Morelein when it comes to Simple Gifts myself. Weird associating of classical jingles with products, isn't it?