r/classicalmusic

For certain Rock or Prog bands, are some of their more conceptual works worthy of consideration as 'serious music'? I am thinking at a level such as Mozart's 'Requiem' or Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring' or Mahler's 'Resurrection Symphony'? Historically, many serious works were laughed or booed off the stage at the time of their creation, but were later respected as significant, even genre-changing.

Perhaps important Rock music is gaining respect from serious, musically educated, scholastic types such as college educators, symphonic music publications, critics, and reviewers. Would anyone agree? If not, how long does it take for a 'new' genre to gain acceptance?

An example of what I would consider an important work would be 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' by Genesis (1974). Others would surely offer 'Close to the Edge' by Yes (1972) or 'The Power and the Glory' by Gentle Giant (1974). 'Crime of the Century' by Supertramp (1974) might be a good example.

Randomly stumbled across that old video of him playing Chopin's posthumous C-sharp minor nocturne. Was incredibly moved. What an understated and noble way of playing. It's sad he's not (to my limited knowledge) more widely known.

And how did you deal with it?

For me, if the music is too complex, my mind drifts away and I focus on the music instead. For this reason I never listen to classical while studying or working.

If you do, how do you do it? Doesn't it distract you from studying?

More "relaxed" pieces are worse because they make me sleepy.

Hello classical fans. I wanted to see if this had happened to others and if so what you were able to do about it.

i have a large playlist of classical music I have collected over the years with specific recordings and treatments of different works that I enjoy. Today as I was playing it suddenly many of the tracks changed to be different recordings of the same works. I know spotify does this with more modern music when artists reupload recordings etc, but here they are materially different works. Also, the original track is still available on spotify! For my selection for the Nutcracker, for example, it has left some tracks from my chosen recording but subbed out others from more than one alternative.

I really dislike listening to the alternatives and I am angry that spotify would do this, especially when the original tracks remain available. As you will all know, classical music varies a lot by performance and recording; recordings of the same works are not interchangeable. i tried to complain but their customer service is notoriously obstructive and shut me out of the complaint without any response or action.

So has this been happening for any of you, and were you able to do anything about it?

Mine is Die Soldaten by Bernd Alois Zimmermann because of the background of the piece and an interest in Zimmermann in general.

But I’ve also got Helmut Lachenmann, Kaija Saariaho, and Salvatore Sciarrino on my listening list thanks to a friend.

I’m going through a rough time with some medical issues and was wondering what would be a good piece to listen to, to try and get my mind off it.

Two years ago I (F24) was dating a guy that had a very monetarily comfortable family. They would invite me to join dinners and even took me to a spa which I, as an immigrant, financially independent student in Sweden don't have the means to experience.

One of the experiences they blessed me with was a visit to the Malmö orchestra where they had a "Big Hits in Tokyo" performance. I have always been into anime since I was a child so it was quite relevant for me. However, above all, I had never, and since then have not attended a live orchestra.

Ever since I was a child I have always watched orchestras perform on youtube (my favorite is the game of thrones Light of the Seven video) as well as choirs like the Stellenbosch University choir.

There is just something about seeing them perform individually, different instruments, scores, notes but in the ultimate interest of being heard simultaneously with everyone else. We could insert an allegory for society, community and anti-individualism thoery here. But I really just want to focus on the artists that use voice or tool to create a melodical dialogue to touch the spirit.

When I was sitting there waiting for them to start, they tuned the instruments just like they did in the Light of the Secen video and I got immediate chills. I could not beleive I was about to witness humans excel live.

The music was unbelievable. Score after score. I couldn't stop crying. Only in the beginning were the tears of gratitude. I cannot even explain why I cried all 2 hours, experiencing the music live felt like waves of energy penetrating my skin. The music affected me heavily, I couldn't even decide on which instrument and player to focus on, and the entire ensemble blew my mind.

The only time I stopped crying was during the intermission where I was just trying to calm down as my ex's family bought some snacks. I just sat there, baffled at what I just experienced. How can music be real, how can people do this with instruments. How can playing together touch me so deeply.

The last couple of songs were accompanied by the Malmö choir and I lost it even harder. It was beyond expression. Even sitting now on the train writing this post my heart fills with almost anxious excitment. It is the rush I imagine bungeejumpers feel and seek.

Eventhough my ex broke my heart and did a number on my self confidence, he was still a good guy, and his family is the reason I got to have such a luxurious, filling, soulful, illuminating experience. Whenever I have adult money I'll be sure to go again. But until then, I feel so blessed just to have experienced it once. Thank you.

Hi guys!

I really enjoy listening to classical music when I study or do homework. Since my school is starting next week, I’d love some recommendations for symphonies, sonatas, ballet scores, concertos, suites, etc. just any classical music I can listen to during the school year.

I mainly listen to Rachmaninoff, sometimes Tchaikovsky, so I also want to listen to more composers and their works. I still consider myself a “newbie” to classical music, so I’d love to hear anything you think I need to listen to!

Thank you for any recs! 

I recently got into classical music, and I've listened to Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Bach so far. My favorite is Tchaikovsky, but I've been reading articles and watching videos. The number of musicians saying that "Bach is a genius" is tremendous.

I don't know much about music theory, and maybe that's why. But I want someone to explain it to me in simple terms why he was different

My friends seem to have very divided opinions on him - most think his Passio is so bad that frankly anyone complimenting would be high and insane - I however find tintinnabuli interesting and like the chorus harmonies, while retaining the idea that its slightly monotonous and tedious after a while. I also do see that one could have the 'hear one, hear all' experience with his tintinnabuli compositions, but this doesnt stop the composition technique being inspiring. Just wanted to hear more views.

Can anyone recommend Spanish Baroque composers (and one or two of their best works) that are worth listening to?

Edit: Just to reiterate - I'm looking for Spanish composers that composed during the Baroque (not Renaissance or Classical Eras).

Sorry for potentially provocative title but today I found I will not be listening to Rach 3 and instead Prok 2 due to Daniil Trifonov being injured and Yuja Wang stepping in and playing Prok 2. I was really excited for Rach 3 so now I am a little sad but maybe you can help me be excited for Prok 2. I have never listened to Prokofiev but I understand he is one of the big ones in the romantic era. What do you like about Prok 2?

Thank you.