Classical music

[emeraldgirl08]

I'm terribly embarrassed to admit that I pretty much am oblivious to the classical music genre. I was in band in my grade school years but mostly played marching band music. I am looking for some suggestions on symphony music that would work well with studying and relaxing. I will be heading back to classes this coming Monday and I think that nice classical symphonies would make my studying atmosphere more productive.

TIA.

[killer]

Try listening to Bruch's Violin Concerto No.1 Opus 26 in G minor. Let me know what you think, meanwhile good luck with your studies.

[pianowizard]

I am this forum's resident classical music genius and would be happy to help if you wanted to learn to appreciate classical music. Unfortunately, you are treating it merely as background music and so I won't.

[emeraldgirl08]

I have appreciation for all music. I enjoyed playing brass and woodwind through my middle and high school years when others were there simply to socialize. Please do not judge me by my thread. Thank you.

[killer]

Also note that "Great oaks from little acorns grow." A few minutes interest while studying can lead to a passion in the long term.

[Thinkpad Lover]

I'm terribly embarrassed to admit that I pretty much am oblivious to the classical music genre. I was in band in my grade school years but mostly played marching band music. I am looking for some suggestions on symphony music that would work well with studying and relaxing. I will be heading back to classes this coming Monday and I think that nice classical symphonies would make my studying atmosphere more productive.

TIA.

I think it's wonderful that you have a desire to explore the world of classical music for whatever reason. Don't let anything discourage you
YOU GO GIRL

I support you and will say a Blessing for you as you return to classes this Monday. God Bless our college students throughout this great land. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daniel,
the little YP/teacher in NYC.
One of my mottoes in life: The Best Teacher is a Lifelong Student

[pianowizard]

I am sorry that I sounded harsh or mean. As a musician myself (not a professional one, just an amateur), I am rather sensitive to people treating classical music simply as background music. To me, this is analogous to marrying a wife just to use her as a maid, or buying a book just to burn it in a fireplace. This is obviously my own problem, not yours. However, I strongly advice your not to post your question on a classical music forum.

Anyway, even if I wanted to give you recommendations, it would be quite difficult. You certainly don't want the greatest masterpieces, because they are so good that they would distract you from your studying. What you need are dull pieces that won't distract you, and there are lots of obscure pieces that are dull. But the problem is, dull pieces are forgettable, and if I have forgotten what they sound like or their titles, there is no way I could name specific pieces for you.

[tenpointnine]

Can I suggest that you try Radio Mozart?

I often listen through headphones whilst I am working on my laptop (T60), although God's Kapellmeister wrote such beautiful music that I sometimes have to stop, sit back and let the sublime music take over.

What a better world this would be if everyone listened to some Mozart every day.

http://www.radionomy.com/en/radio/radio-mozart

Enjoy!

Walter

[dsvochak]

I enjoyed playing brass and woodwind...

I suggest Cool Jazz rather than Classical: Chet Baker, MJQ, Brubeck, Stan Getz and maybe a little Miles Davis. If you like the vibraphone, some Gary Burton. I don’t think anyone cares if you treat it as background noise/music

[ozzymud]

I am this forum's resident classical music genius and would be happy to help if you wanted to learn to appreciate classical music. Unfortunately, you are treating it merely as background music and so I won't.

rofl, if I have to "learn" to appreciate any music, I'll pass. I grew up listening to OLD country and western, then in school found I instantly appreciated mostly 1980's rock (some 60's/70's/90's too)... still do and prolly always will

While playing with the wavetable on my 760XD, I also found I really like the tune GreenSleeves.mid... Dunno if it's considered "classical" or not... but as a MIDI it rocks

[emeraldgirl08]

This is awesome

Thanks guys! I'll check out all the recommendations for sure!

A motto of mine is "if it sounds good turn it up!"

[jdk]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR6XJsGO ... re=related

[RealBlackStuff]

For 'easy listening' classical music in the background, I find there is nothing better than Chopin, Mozart and Haydn.
For more intense music, I prefer Rachmaninoff, Paganini, Bruch and Beethoven.

[emeraldgirl08]

Well I got me a starter CD set (4 CDs) that has works from Bruch, Bach, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Howard Shore, John Williams, Debussy, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Ennio Morricone, etc. Some of the pieces are contemporary and others are from motion pictures.

I've just started listening while doing my homework and I can't help but get whisked away. I think I could listen to the CD in just about any situation.

Wonderful

[dr_st]

You also must have some Chopin. The guy was brilliant and very unique. Almost all of his work is piano only. The 24 preludes (op. 28) is my all time favorite classical music piece.

[Thinkpad Lover]

While playing with the wavetable on my 760XD, I also found I really like the tune GreenSleeves.mid... Dunno if it's considered "classical" or not... but as a MIDI it rocks

That tune and its accompanying lyrics has a long, sorted, and interesting history. It is an old English folk tune with some not so decent connotations. I love that tune myself, but for a different reason. I first heard it as part of a classic carol. It seems a Christian gentleman took this enchanting melody, and, in 1865, set it to lyrics we now know as "What Child is this?" It's hauntingly beautiful.

[sysiphus]

Yikes, where to start...

As I'm a pianist, my taste and knowledge is slanted in that direction, so bear with me.

Piano solo music to look into:

• Bach: English suites, French Suites, Goldberg Variations, 2 & 3-part Inventions
• Beethoven sonatas--Pathetique is a particular favorite of mine (to play), and at least the second movement is calm and quiet
• Heller Nuites Blanches
• Chopin Nocturnes, (Etudes are also very nice, but overall less calm)
• Satie Gymnopedies

Other great classical music to look into in general:

• Brahms Piano Concerto #2. #1 is lovely too, but #2 is famous (and famously hard) for a reason
• Rachmaninov Piano Concerti #2 &3. #2 is more commonly heard and is gorgeous and great Russian stuff, but #3 is the benchmark for difficult "classical" music that is worth hearing.
• Beethoven Piano Concerti (all of them, 1-5). 5 is the most famous (Emperor) and the biggest standout, but 4 is a great perfomer too. 3 is not to be missed; I saw Brendel play it on his farewell tour a few years ago. One of the best musical moments of my life, hands down.
• Beethoven Symphonies--5,6,7,9 are likely most famous, but all are wonderful. 8 is too frequently ignored.
• Bach B Minor Mass. Absolutely some of the best choral music in existence. See also Handel's Israel in Egypt, Brahms' Ein deutches Requiem
• Bach unaccompanied Cello--gorgeous beyond words. Sure you've heard it somewhere.
• Brahms Cello Sonata in e minor --get the du Pre/Barenboim recording from 1968. Sublime.

I could keep going...and going...and going...but that will get you started. And there's no such thing as a wrong way to start on classical music--the only wrong approach is to miss it. Sure, I'd rather you sit and listen to it uninterrupted, but better this than to not hear it all Enjoy!

[emeraldgirl08]

Thanks sysiphus. I've always wanted to learn to play the piano. The school I went to in my high school years seemed to operate on a meager budget or the district was just cheap when it came to music appreciation If the school had piano instruction I would have taken it in a heartbeat! As long as I remember I've felt a tug toward the black/white keys (and still do!). I do not know what will happen when I transfer to the university next semester. I am hoping that there is a class for beginning piano players. If there is then I will surely take it

[robert213]

Listening to music for free on the internet...

http://www.pandora.com/#/
(Short 15 sec advertisements occur once every 10 minutes. I have previously created a "junk" e-mail account on one of those free e-mail sites, so that I can join sites like Pandora without having to deal with their unwanted e-mail messages.)

Select "Create a New Station"

Enter your favorite classical composer, e.g. "Mozart"

I am currently listening to Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major.

[killer]

Internet radio is a good idea to get a start with classical music. If you can get it outside the UK, 'BBC Radio 3' broadcasts classical music with no adverts 24 hours a day. The French station 'France Musique' does the same. Sometimes both stations can broadcast some awfully avant-garde stuff (IMO) but each to their own.

[RealBlackStuff]

I can listen to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/bbc_radio_three

[sysiphus]

Internet radio is a good idea to get a start with classical music. If you can get it outside the UK, 'BBC Radio 3' broadcasts classical music with no adverts 24 hours a day. The French station 'France Musique' does the same. Sometimes both stations can broadcast some awfully avant-garde stuff (IMO) but each to their own.

A good recommendation, to be sure, and yes, we can get it overseas

Another good source is the stream from WCPE (Classical station based out of North Carolina, USA--home of Lenovo USA, no less!). Their website is TheClassicalStation.org; they are commercial-free, though a couple times a year, they have pledge drives for fundraising (somewhat like what one finds on NPR). They're on my list of "worth supporting"


emeraldgirl08: hope you find something you like...and it's never too late to learn to play! I was lucky enough to be started on it when I was 5, but better late than never! I've had fun teaching some of my friends. Good luck, and enjoy.

[RealBlackStuff]

Another (free) UK station is Classic FM: http://ukrp.musicradio.com/classicfm/live

[killer]

Good advice, RBS, although I should like to point out that Classic FM does have advertising every so often. BBC radio is completely free of adverts.

Classic FM is a good intro to classical music as it gives snippets of a wide range.

Meanwhile, to assist emeraldgirl's educational needs, one of the finest composers I can recommend is Sir Edward Elgar. Start off by listening to 'Enigma Variations' and when you are in the mood listen to his 'Cello Concerto'.

Every recommendation has been brilliant. I love Rachmaninov, Chopin, Bach, etc. So much to enjoy!

[emeraldgirl08]

I've added the radio stations to my bookmarks. Very much appreciated!

@sysiphus
We'll see how it goes. I really do want to learn! Aesthetically and sonically the piano IS beautiful. I will have to be crafty about getting this class in as my major is in the sciences as well as my planned minor. I'll be on scholarship so the requirements are pretty stringent on what classes I will be able to enroll in.

It may be doable as an elective however

[asiafish]

I am a huge fan of Gustav Mahler, but I wouldn't recommend trying to pay attention to anything else while listening. Symphony number 2 "Ressurection" and "Das Klagendelied" are particular favorites.

[emeraldgirl08]

^^^

I do find some of the music so intense or beautiful that I want to sit back and take it in

Result is studying gets done... just a little later

I do have a request from piano players- I am looking at electronic pianos for portability and practice. I'd like to be able to practice w/headphones on or be able to connect speakers for a bigger sound if I need to. Budget is a concern so if anyone is familiar with electronic pianos I'm wondering what brand is decent. I found one type for about $70 on amazon and it got decent reviews. I know that electronic pianos won't take the place of a full-sized but its something to get hands-on and to continue playing music with.

[robert213]

I do have a request from piano players- I am looking at electronic pianos for portability and practice. I'd like to be able to practice w/headphones on or be able to connect speakers for a bigger sound.

I learned to play on an accoustic upright piano -- a vintage 1920's player piano. Not very practical, but it had great touch to strengthen my fingers.

My signature says...

Ensoniq TS-12, Kawai EP-608

I purchased my Kawai EP-608 new in the early 80's. Most folks purchased Yamaha Electric Uprights and Grands back then. All of them have real keys, hammers, and strings with electric pick-ups -- like an electric guitar. Google "Yamaha Electric Grand" for photos.

I wanted to be different so I purchased Kawai's equivalent.
Wow, I am not the only one who bought one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJT0RlPA8wE

If you decided to go with an electronic synth...
You want a "weighted-action" keyboard to simulate playing a piano. "Traditional" plastic keyboard is used when you wish to simulate playing an organ.
I own a mid 90's Ensoniq TS-12.

Best budget option, purchase a MIDI "weighted-action" keyboard with no sound module. Use USB MIDI adapter to connect to your computer's sound card.

Not the answer that you wanted to hear, but I wanted to offer you some other options.

[emeraldgirl08]

^^^

Great information!!! You're so awesome

I was wondering about the tactile sensation of electronic and acoustic upright piano. I am looking now and see that "weighted keys" must be a premium bc they are pretty costly. I think for my first portable e-piano I'm going have to forego the "weighted keys."

EDIT:

I found these electronic keyboards and they are reasonable! They have some type of "weighted key" feature which is great!

Casio

or

Yamaha

or

CME

Thank you for your valuable input!

[sysiphus]

You're right, weighted keys come at a premium. That said, they're the only good way to build up the finger strength you'll need. An inexpensive keyboard will certainly help to get some of the basics--good luck and have fun!