What Are You Listening To?

[Ruby]

I think it’s just the same as with any other music – you develop preferences for certain composers/pieces - just need to find something that speaks to you – if you are so inclined. Unless you are accustomed to it, it takes ear tuning and patience because generally speaking the pieces are longer and don’t follow the four minute formula, which is apparently optimal for our attention spans!

Some of the ‘crossover’ prog composers appeal to me because they are less formal, less constrained by the dictates of what does or does not constitute the conservative/conventional idea of a symphony, or concerto, or whatever it is they choose to name it. Some of the Latin composers appeal to me also – there seems to be an extra dimension in their stuff – hotter blood, maybe.

In my understanding of classical music, you don’t go adding your own touches, except in how you execute what you are doing – what I mean is, some musicians can nuance and finesse a piece and make it their own while following the score precisely – Jacqueline du Pré, the cellist, being a case in point. It’s a mastery of the instrument and an ability to ‘speak’ with it in a unique voice (which might be stating the obvious! Lol!) Anyway – that is what I like to hear.

I listen when I want a break from babble, but actually, attending a live performance by an orchestra or a concert pianist is much more satisfying IMHO. The same goes for opera. I love to go, but don’t listen to it much otherwise. The acoustics and the atmosphere are usually fantastic in good concert halls/theatres and it’s a more complete experience.