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Just Sven
Editor
4 years ago

Before I die, I’d like to develop a structured understanding and appreciation of classical music. Mac graciously sent me a list of performances to listen to, but I have a hard time appreciating just what it is that I’m hearing.

dv8
Editor
dv8
4 years ago
Reply to  Just Sven

As we were discussing on the midnight oil last night:

I would suggest listening to Beethoven’s Appassionata third movement, and imagine it being played by your favorite shredder. It really does have a lot in common with a really intense guitar solo.

Beethoven would probably be a headbanger if he were alive today.

Anyway, that might be your gateway drug.

Another thing to do is to try putting the music into some context. Like when it is used in movies either about the composers themselves or in another context.

Remember that pretty much since the Star Wars classical/romantic revival in the late 1970ies, Classical Style music has made a huge comeback in modern movie scores.

John Williams contemporary scores rival anything composed by Brahms or Beethoven, or Rachmaninoff.

I might even suggest the movie “Immortal Beloved” as a way to understand the context of Beethoven’s work. It’s a pretty low effort way to bring some of his music into focus.

You can also study romantic poetry of centuries past, which is what I did, in order to understand the context of all art. Poetry is short. I am lazy. Poetry was my gateway drug to romanticism and the beauty of western civilization.

I hope there is something in this wall of text that might help a bit.

I apologize for any mistypes. I’m going fast and I’m in the middle of cooking dinner.

Just Sven
Editor
4 years ago

Happy Saturday, GN! Another short night of sleep for me, but I best wake up and get my game face on as a wayward gerbil is threatening to stop by this afternoon.

BrendaK
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Just Sven

I gather a dive bar is in order. Please keep an eye out on him, I’d like to get him back in one piece. 🙂

dv8
Editor
dv8
4 years ago
Reply to  BrendaK

BrendaK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paddy O'Furnijur
Editor
4 years ago

Happy Caturday, Gerbil Nation!
Good morning, Sven!

It was good to see Mac and dv8 chatting away on the M.O. Sorry for not joining you, but it was time to get some sleep.

Listening to classical music with a good set of headphones can really help with that immersive experience. Close your eyes and just let the experience wash over you.

Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

Happy Caturday, GN!

Hi, Sven and Paddy!

I see -- belatedly -- that Jerry put up Valentine’s Day decorations. (Hi, Mr. Wadministrator!!1!)

Wow…a long M.O.; been ages since we’ve seen one of those. 🙂

…a wayward gerbil is threatening to stop by this afternoon.

I don’t recall making any threats…especially since I’ve been informed more than once of Mrs. Sven’s shooting prowess. (And Sven’s significantly taller than I…with a longer reach.)

*Poot*