Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums

kmr321 · 11-11-2006, 10:15 AM

Any Classical music lovers? Do you guys feel classical music has other benefits which more popular music doesnt have?

toasterwater · 11-11-2006, 10:25 AM

I recently started listening to classical (and other forms of instrumental) music. I did this mainly as a way to help me focus while reading. Ive noticed (okay, i read this on one of steves blogs, then i realized it was true) that lyrical music is distracting while you read. So i still listen to my rock music-ill never give that up- but i listen to classical (and im looking for some techno, and other up beat instrumental music) while im reading, or trying to concentrate on something.

SamBeaven · 11-11-2006, 10:39 AM

I do a lot and I really find it ups my focus on whatever I'm doing. I listen to traditional classical, some more experimental/alternative classical (Most notably Symphonic Chronicles) and soundtracks (videogame soundtracks, actually - mainly Heroes of Might and Magic III and Halo).

Stephen · 11-11-2006, 11:18 AM

Yes I listen to classical music most of the time. It is the only form of music that I have found that can be played whilst i work or study without being put off by it.

I particularly like Haydn, Bruch, Chopin & Mendelssohn currently.

kmr321 · 11-11-2006, 12:05 PM

yeah i get the same feeling, i mean i like listening to my music but classical seems to be really good in becoming relaxed or boosting energy and concentrating properly. I have the same experience with music with words during study. Its pretty much impossible for me to read and listen to music with words.

i started listening to classical because a guy i used to know loved heavy metal but then started getting depressed and fatigued. Anyway now he listens to classical music only and he swears it has given him energy,focus and hes not depressed anymore.

Akashic_Librarian · 11-11-2006, 12:35 PM

I prefer New Age to Classical. But I do like Classical sometimes.

Hugh Hollowell · 11-11-2006, 01:37 PM

For relaxation and meditation, try pieces from the baroque period, especially try J.S. Bach. The Goldberg Variations are simply the most perfect selection I have ever heard. Most experts agree that the best rendering was done by Glenn Gould, in his 1955 concert; he did it again in the early 80's ('82?), but I (and most others) prefer the 1955.

Listen to samples here

Calculusaurus · 11-11-2006, 02:09 PM

I listen to classical quite religiously. I love Prokofiev, Sibelius, Brahms, and Chopin.

Niki · 11-11-2006, 02:13 PM

a few months ago i started listening to baroque music (vivaldi, bach, albinoni, ...) It keeps my brain stimlated for studying and it is perfect music to find myself when i'm stressed or tired ... . Just listen to the high tones and amazingly perfect variations. My favorite number is "winter" of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. when i first listened to it, it was playing pretty loud. The beginning of the part touched me deep inside, it gave me a feeling like WAW. i really loved it, and still do! and then the rest of the song is really amazing, such a masterpiece ! aah

nice.

dpvtank · 11-11-2006, 04:32 PM

Its sad, but I'm one of the very few young people in high school that enjoys classical music (along with most other genres).

Vivaldi is one of my favourites. I'm also really into soundtracks from films and videogames.

tomjen · 11-11-2006, 04:35 PM

I love classical music too - I am particulary found of Ode to joy.

I also like listning to soundtracks of film I have seen a lot.

stalker · 11-11-2006, 05:01 PM

I do listen to classical music. My favourites are Bach and Shostakovich. I also like Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Beethoven, Chopin.
I think the most inspiring pieces are the two books of WTC (Well Temperated Clavier) by Bach. The Art of the Fugue by Bach is also incredible.

Stephen · 11-11-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stalker

I do listen to classical music. My favourites are Bach and Shostakovich. I also like Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Beethoven, Chopin.
I think the most inspiring pieces are the two books of WTC (Well Temperated Clavier) by Bach. The Art of the Fugue by Bach is also incredible.

I also love some of Rachmaninov's pieces.

I love Finlandia by Sibelius and much of his other stuff.

Paul C · 11-11-2006, 10:29 PM

I've started listening to classical music myself, for many of the reasons already stated here.

Although the only classical I currently own is that of Mozart. But seeing all these others being listed, I'm taking notes for sure!

Michael Chui · 11-11-2006, 10:51 PM

I actually listen to a mix of classical and videogame music, including the remixed stuff. (Well, and other stuff.) Take a look at OverClocked ReMix - Unofficial Game Music Arrangement Community and see if you find anything interesting. Not all of it's good, of course...

One of the advantages of classical music is that the bad stuff has had a couple hundred years to quietly exit our memories.

Calculusaurus · 11-12-2006, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen

I also love some of Rachmaninov's pieces.

I love Finlandia by Sibelius and much of his other stuff.

Finlandia gets a lot of attention; it's great, but it's too bad that it distracts people away from his other works.

His symphonies (my favorites are 5 and 7), tone poems (favorites are pohjola's daughter, en saga), karelia suite (very colorful), and of course his violin concerto -- they're all great.

dpvtank · 11-12-2006, 03:56 AM

In terms of recent symphonies, I'm in love with Danny Elfman's Serenada Schizophrana, that he was commissioned to write. Absolutely beautiful and expressive.

Danny Elfman

I've loved a lot of his work in the past, but this just plain rocked.

And I'm sorry to say, but I tried listening to some of the Bach's music (Goldberg variations) and I just didn't care for it. I think I prefer more...hmm, film-like music? Some type of atmosphere or something in it (I don't know how to describe it). Listening to Bach, it just felt very...static. Anyone have any recommendations?

David Hausladen · 11-12-2006, 06:35 AM

I am an avid fan of classical music, and most of the non-classical music I enjoy has classical influences.

Light · 11-12-2006, 06:53 AM

I feel the need to recommend Max Richter to the people in this thread. He composes his own music and has released two albums: Memoryhouse and The Blue Notebooks. (Slight update: After visiting his site just now, I found out he is releasing another album as well, called Songs from Before). Here's his site (with samples): maxrichter.com

Ilya · 11-12-2006, 09:14 AM

When I was at high school, I didn't appriciate the classical music. But then I went to UK and stumbled upon Classic FM - radio station that broadcasts classical music. And I realized that this is the kind of music that helps to filter external noises and doesn't distract me from study. So I used it. Then, gradually I learned to appriciate it. Now I prefer earplugs and total silence, when I need concentration, but still love classical music.

Stephen · 11-12-2006, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calculusaurus

Finlandia gets a lot of attention; it's great, but it's too bad that it distracts people away from his other works.

His symphonies (my favorites are 5 and 7), tone poems (favorites are pohjola's daughter, en saga), karelia suite (very colorful), and of course his violin concerto -- they're all great.

Hi Calculusaurus

I agree that Finlandia may get more of the limelight but I dont neglect his other works. For a compact piece of pleasure try 'Romance in C'

BTW - Sir John Barbirolli conducting the Halle Orchestra (EMI Sibelius Edition) is a masterpiece.

Milo Riano · 11-12-2006, 11:38 AM

I love J.S. Bach so much.

Calculusaurus · 11-12-2006, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpvtank

And I'm sorry to say, but I tried listening to some of the Bach's music (Goldberg variations) and I just didn't care for it. I think I prefer more...hmm, film-like music? Some type of atmosphere or something in it (I don't know how to describe it). Listening to Bach, it just felt very...static. Anyone have any recommendations?

This is the exact opposite of what most people expect, but I actually think that Bach and Mozart are "advanced" classical music. In other words, if you're first getting into classical music, don't delve into the "advanced" stuff quite yet, start with, perhaps, Chopin or Tchaikovsky. Whatever it is Tchaikovsky had to say, he basically smacks you upside the head with it. Chopin can be deep and subtle, but many of his works (nocturnes, polonaises) convey their message without requiring the listener to have a skillful ear.

For me, Bach and Mozart only started to open up their musical messages after I listened to them over and over and over again, and after I was already familiar with a lot of classical music. I personally thought the WTC was flat and sterile, but once you become truly familiar with it, it opens up into one of the most beautiful collection of pieces you'll ever know. It's hard to explain, but I find Bach's messages very subtle and requiring a fair amount of familiarity with the works.

So if you don't like Bach, then try Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, etc before giving up on classical music.

stalker · 11-12-2006, 12:43 PM

Totally agree that Bach is not easy at all. Same about Shostakovich. But try listening Bach's WTC or Shostakovich's first violin concerto for a few times and you'll get addicted! I had a period of about a month when I couldn't listen anything but Shostakovich's violin concerto. Over and over again! It's really deep.

And yes, I also recommend things like Chopin or Vivaldi for the beginning. Beethoven's piano sonatas are also a good start.

songwriter · 11-12-2006, 03:10 PM

Yeah, I like some classical music. Well, without the classical music background rock and roll wouldn't have been that good sometimes.
But rock and roll incorporated classical music to its style a long time ago... Yesterday, Bohemian Rhapsody...
Now even metal bands use classical strings, etc.

Michelle · 11-12-2006, 03:48 PM

Not only do I listen to it, I practice and perform it daily as a professional.

I think any benefits you might receive from listening to classical music might be enhanced by actually playing an instrument or learning to sing.

dpvtank · 11-12-2006, 04:26 PM

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm in love with Chopin's nocturnes.

Calculusaurus · 11-12-2006, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpvtank

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm in love with Chopin's nocturnes.

The nocturnes are pure masterpieces. My favorite is E major op 62 no 2

Also, check out his ballades (no 1 is extraordinary... really makes you want to play the piano so you could woo a girl over with this piece. then no 4 will bring tears to your eyes. careful though, i've found no 4 to be quite subtle and it took me several listens before it opened up to me)

Then his sonatas. If the third movement of this third sonata doesn't bring tears to your eyes, I don't know what will. Then of course, the third sonata finishes with the intense 4th movement.

And as long as we're in Chopin 101, we have to mention his Fantasie Impromptu. While ridiculously overplayed, most people seem to love this piece.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try some prokofiev. The last movements of his war sonatas (sonatas 6, 7, and 8) are absolutely frenetic. And I might as well mention his 2nd piano concerto, which I firmly believe is one of the greatest pieces ever written.

SamBeaven · 11-12-2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Chui

I actually listen to a mix of classical and videogame music, including the remixed stuff. (Well, and other stuff.) Take a look at OverClocked ReMix - Unofficial Game Music Arrangement Community and see if you find anything interesting. Not all of it's good, of course...

When on OverClocked, do a search for Dale North and Jivemaster - two of my personal favourites. His Radical Dreamers: Northern Promise work is absolutely beautiful, his version of Green Hill Zone from Sonic 1 is a great piece of chillout, and his Super Mario Bros 3: Swingin Porno is... well. I think you can guess. Comedic brilliance

Bing Wu · 11-17-2006, 12:54 AM

Classical music is pretty much the only kind of music I listen to. It just strikes at the heart of my existence, like it resonates at the same frequency as something inside me.

It's so rich, full of emotional and logical twists and tangles, I don't see why more people don't enjoy it. Then again, many people would probably wonder why I don't like the garbage that tops the hit lists.

The best source of classical music? Here's a listing of internet classical radio stations:

Classical Live Online Radio Webcast - Classical Internet Music.

My favourite is Radio Swiss Classic. Very little talking (in German and French), and a LOT of classical music.

11-11-2006, 10:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
kmr321 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 41	Anyone listen to classical music? Any Classical music lovers? Do you guys feel classical music has other benefits which more popular music doesnt have?

11-11-2006, 02:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
Niki Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 565	Baroque a few months ago i started listening to baroque music (vivaldi, bach, albinoni, ...) It keeps my brain stimlated for studying and it is perfect music to find myself when i'm stressed or tired ... . Just listen to the high tones and amazingly perfect variations. My favorite number is "winter" of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. when i first listened to it, it was playing pretty loud. The beginning of the part touched me deep inside, it gave me a feeling like WAW. i really loved it, and still do! and then the rest of the song is really amazing, such a masterpiece ! aah nice.

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11-11-2006, 10:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
toasterwater Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 247	I recently started listening to classical (and other forms of instrumental) music. I did this mainly as a way to help me focus while reading. Ive noticed (okay, i read this on one of steves blogs, then i realized it was true) that lyrical music is distracting while you read. So i still listen to my rock music-ill never give that up- but i listen to classical (and im looking for some techno, and other up beat instrumental music) while im reading, or trying to concentrate on something.

11-11-2006, 10:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
SamBeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 117	I do a lot and I really find it ups my focus on whatever I'm doing. I listen to traditional classical, some more experimental/alternative classical (Most notably Symphonic Chronicles) and soundtracks (videogame soundtracks, actually - mainly Heroes of Might and Magic III and Halo).

11-11-2006, 11:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
Stephen Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 595	Yes I listen to classical music most of the time. It is the only form of music that I have found that can be played whilst i work or study without being put off by it. I particularly like Haydn, Bruch, Chopin & Mendelssohn currently.

11-11-2006, 12:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
kmr321 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 41	yeah i get the same feeling, i mean i like listening to my music but classical seems to be really good in becoming relaxed or boosting energy and concentrating properly. I have the same experience with music with words during study. Its pretty much impossible for me to read and listen to music with words. i started listening to classical because a guy i used to know loved heavy metal but then started getting depressed and fatigued. Anyway now he listens to classical music only and he swears it has given him energy,focus and hes not depressed anymore.

11-11-2006, 12:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
Akashic_Librarian Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Darkness / The Never Posts: 1,673	I prefer New Age to Classical. But I do like Classical sometimes.

11-11-2006, 01:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
Hugh Hollowell Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 63	For relaxation and meditation, try pieces from the baroque period, especially try J.S. Bach. The Goldberg Variations are simply the most perfect selection I have ever heard. Most experts agree that the best rendering was done by Glenn Gould, in his 1955 concert; he did it again in the early 80's ('82?), but I (and most others) prefer the 1955. Listen to samples here

11-11-2006, 02:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
Calculusaurus Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 379	I listen to classical quite religiously. I love Prokofiev, Sibelius, Brahms, and Chopin.

11-11-2006, 04:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
dpvtank Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 42	Its sad, but I'm one of the very few young people in high school that enjoys classical music (along with most other genres). Vivaldi is one of my favourites. I'm also really into soundtracks from films and videogames.

11-11-2006, 04:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
tomjen Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 47	I love classical music too - I am particulary found of Ode to joy. I also like listning to soundtracks of film I have seen a lot.

11-11-2006, 05:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
stalker Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Beijing, PRC Posts: 13	I do listen to classical music. My favourites are Bach and Shostakovich. I also like Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Beethoven, Chopin. I think the most inspiring pieces are the two books of WTC (Well Temperated Clavier) by Bach. The Art of the Fugue by Bach is also incredible.

11-11-2006, 10:29 PM	#14 (permalink)
Paul C Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 225	I've started listening to classical music myself, for many of the reasons already stated here. Although the only classical I currently own is that of Mozart. But seeing all these others being listed, I'm taking notes for sure!

11-11-2006, 10:51 PM	#15 (permalink)
Michael Chui Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Posts: 3,977	I actually listen to a mix of classical and videogame music, including the remixed stuff. (Well, and other stuff.) Take a look at OverClocked ReMix - Unofficial Game Music Arrangement Community and see if you find anything interesting. Not all of it's good, of course... One of the advantages of classical music is that the bad stuff has had a couple hundred years to quietly exit our memories.

11-12-2006, 03:56 AM	#17 (permalink)
dpvtank Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 42	In terms of recent symphonies, I'm in love with Danny Elfman's Serenada Schizophrana, that he was commissioned to write. Absolutely beautiful and expressive. Danny Elfman I've loved a lot of his work in the past, but this just plain rocked. And I'm sorry to say, but I tried listening to some of the Bach's music (Goldberg variations) and I just didn't care for it. I think I prefer more...hmm, film-like music? Some type of atmosphere or something in it (I don't know how to describe it). Listening to Bach, it just felt very...static. Anyone have any recommendations?

11-12-2006, 06:35 AM	#18 (permalink)
David Hausladen Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 201	I am an avid fan of classical music, and most of the non-classical music I enjoy has classical influences.

11-12-2006, 06:53 AM	#19 (permalink)
Light Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Middle of Nowhere (provided the USA is considered Nowhere) Posts: 56	I feel the need to recommend Max Richter to the people in this thread. He composes his own music and has released two albums: Memoryhouse and The Blue Notebooks. (Slight update: After visiting his site just now, I found out he is releasing another album as well, called Songs from Before). Here's his site (with samples): maxrichter.com

11-12-2006, 09:14 AM	#20 (permalink)
Ilya Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Moscow, Russia Posts: 452	When I was at high school, I didn't appriciate the classical music. But then I went to UK and stumbled upon Classic FM - radio station that broadcasts classical music. And I realized that this is the kind of music that helps to filter external noises and doesn't distract me from study. So I used it. Then, gradually I learned to appriciate it. Now I prefer earplugs and total silence, when I need concentration, but still love classical music.

11-12-2006, 11:38 AM	#22 (permalink)
Milo Riano Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 111	I love J.S. Bach so much.

11-12-2006, 12:43 PM	#24 (permalink)
stalker Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Beijing, PRC Posts: 13	Totally agree that Bach is not easy at all. Same about Shostakovich. But try listening Bach's WTC or Shostakovich's first violin concerto for a few times and you'll get addicted! I had a period of about a month when I couldn't listen anything but Shostakovich's violin concerto. Over and over again! It's really deep. And yes, I also recommend things like Chopin or Vivaldi for the beginning. Beethoven's piano sonatas are also a good start.

11-12-2006, 03:10 PM	#25 (permalink)
songwriter Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,123	Yeah, I like some classical music. Well, without the classical music background rock and roll wouldn't have been that good sometimes. But rock and roll incorporated classical music to its style a long time ago... Yesterday, Bohemian Rhapsody... Now even metal bands use classical strings, etc.

11-12-2006, 03:48 PM	#26 (permalink)
Michelle Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hawaii Posts: 1,285	Not only do I listen to it, I practice and perform it daily as a professional. I think any benefits you might receive from listening to classical music might be enhanced by actually playing an instrument or learning to sing.

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11-12-2006, 04:26 PM	#27 (permalink)
dpvtank Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 42	Thanks for the recommendations. I'm in love with Chopin's nocturnes.

11-17-2006, 12:54 AM	#30 (permalink)
Bing Wu Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA, USA Posts: 459	Classical music is pretty much the only kind of music I listen to. It just strikes at the heart of my existence, like it resonates at the same frequency as something inside me. It's so rich, full of emotional and logical twists and tangles, I don't see why more people don't enjoy it. Then again, many people would probably wonder why I don't like the garbage that tops the hit lists. The best source of classical music? Here's a listing of internet classical radio stations: Classical Live Online Radio Webcast - Classical Internet Music. My favourite is Radio Swiss Classic. Very little talking (in German and French), and a LOT of classical music.