If you are truly listening to classical music, it shouldn't be any easier to listen to while working than songs with lyrics. In fact, I would say the opposite is true. Music is a language on its own and the more you listen the more you will hear. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I get the feeling you are implying that classical music, by nature, is something soothing. This couldn't be further from the truth. Therefore, I am not sure about your motives of inner peace, but it will definitely make an impact on your mind in a very profound way if you spend time with it. Beethoven and Mozart are decent choices, (though I'm personally not too enthralled with Mozart to be honest) but these artists have been dead for centuries. Certainly you don't think classical music died centuries ago do you? There has been a tremendous amount of progress made in music over the past 200 years. Bartok, Ives, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Brahms, Prokofiev, Debussy, Stockhausen, Liszt, Milton Babbit, Wagner, Sorabji, Ravel, Boulez, Webern, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Elliot Carter, Messiaen....the list is much, much larger. Hell, it spans two centuries after all... I fully believe some of the composers above will one day be in the same discussion with Beethoven and Bach. As a matter of fact, due to factors such as institutionalized learning and a complete redefinition of art and aesthetic in the 20th century, I would say even more greats will be known out of this last century. It is only a matter of time. Remember, Beethoven's symphonies weren't readily accepted initially,(they were said to sound like noise) just as it took Felix Mendelssohn to actually discover Bach, almost 100 years after his death. My point being, if you want to listen to soothing music, perhaps ambient music would fill that need. However, classical music is very complex to say the least. If you are serious about classical music, I would recommend checking out many of the greats of our own time. I would also recommend checking out the great jazz artists of the last century and through this era. Reason being, the distinction between classical and jazz is quickly narrowing. It is a shame that true genius can go so unnoticed even when it is right under our noses. My apologies if any of this was a little forceful. If there is one thing I am truly cynical about, it is the degradation of music and to a greater extent, art, in modern society. Kudos to you attempting to broaden your mind and I hope you find what you are looking for.
I tend to be partial to the ones I have played or sung in, being more familiar with them. Also don't tend to necessarily see it as a "relaxation" thing, preferring the more lively or intense pieces. (I play timpani in the orchestra; the slow sections are associated with counting rests.) Finally, not as big a fan of long pieces such as sonatas, concertos, and especially symphonies. The length gets a bit much. Character pieces are the best. I also like to include choral/vocal/opera. Some that make it onto my playlists: Night on Bald Mountain - Mussorgsky Bolero - Ravel The Moldau - Smetana Fanfare for the Common Man - Copland Rhapsody in Blue - Gershwin will make an exception for sonatas and symphonies by Beethoven; the best (Choral below) Cantique de Jean Racine - Faure Carmina Burana - Orff Magnificat - Rutter Gloria - Rutter Gloria - Vivaldi
Two of my favorites, ever, by Beethoven: Moonlight Sonata http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qqib2eDweE&ob=av3n Sonata Pathetique Mov 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2nG1bt7IBM
I disagree with some of the ideas in this post. Complexity within classical music shouldn't be a deterrent from trying it out to see if you like it. There's also plenty of music within the genre that isn't complex (Philip Glass is good example of this). Of course, classical music is not for everyone, just as hip-hop or country music isn't for everyone, but classical music can very easily be listened to recreationally and it is not necessary to have any sort of trained ear in order to enjoy it. Spooner's post, though it probably isn't his intention, sort of ends up going in the direction of the classical-music-snob, which turns people off toward classical music who might otherwise like it. Classical music can be enjoyed at different levels, but it is perfectly okay if you like using it as background music. That being said, Spooner is right in that there are loads of composers to explore within the genre, but I would recommend you start with the more famous ones before branching out. It's all about finding music that you like. With the amount of music that's out there, I'm sure you'll find something.
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thanks for some of the suggestion-I'm stressed at work and exam and I'm used to classical music and a little new age music like Kern & natural music like Dan Gibson. any other ideas? some music works for me eg like Alla Hornpipe - handel,piano concerto no17 gmajor by mozart. Just want to create a larger playlist.
Piano Concertos No. 20, No. 21, and No. 23 by Mozart are very popular and among my favorites. I also really like the overtures to Rossini's operas. I particularly like The Barber of Seville (very famous) and The Italian Lady from Algiers.
Any sonata, nocturne, or prelude from Chopin/Liszt Actually, pretty much anything from the romantic era period. I took a few music history classes a couple of years ago and I remember the professor playing this piece in class: <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5ZUw78FXpG4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> I've loved it ever since
how do you listen to music, Spotify/Mog/Rhapsody, or do you buy tracks from iTunes, or CDs? do you listen to internet radio? lots of great options, and I can suggest some specifics once I understand how you access it.
Thanks Durvasa ,DudeWah for the suggestions,esp Mozart & liszt.I forgot about them since I spend last few mths listening to bach & beethoven & grieg It's my fav as well This is my fav vers- a violin & piano duet <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QOlF3tJLTUs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> thanks. I get those suggestions mainly from youtube or occassionally from forums classical music wise i rarely use spotify(pop music yes).mostly from youtube which can be a real distraction from work/study sometimes. I occasionally listen to internet radio (bbc,classical fm) but sometimes it doesnt fit what i want to hear at times. and yes i have a subscription which allows me to download some music( limited variety of choices - eg I may want to download cello concerto from rostopovich .the collection has the concerto but the performer is not rostopovich). i do buy cds,but since classicals are very expensive so I usually bought compilations. Any mores suggestions are welcome for me :grin:
I like this new take on Debussy's classic Clair de Lune <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TuwCo94a5Js" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
For those recommending Four Seasons, bravo, and I would strongly urge you to see out the Four Seasons version performed by Orpheus featuring Gil Shaham. Orpheus is a conductorless orchestra, and somehow the music they make not only does not suffer for it, it seems to elevate it. And Shaham is an outstanding soloist. Far and away the best presentation of Four Seasons I have ever heard. Also, just as something different, I would suggest maybe something outside the mainstream a little bit. Hildegaard Von Bingen was an amazing creator of music, and many groups have begun to record her work in the last couple of decades, and some of it is very haunting and rich. Definitely worth checking out. Also, look up Jocelyn Pook, if you remember some of the more dark and mysterious music from Eyes Wide Shut, you will recognize her work. Very interesting and unique. 'Flood' is the name of the album. And also, try some George Winston for something a little different from just 'classic', as it is piano music yes, but relaxing and soothing, to me almost like listening to a stream or small waterfall, it is always so natural and effortless. Also, check out Angelo Badalamenti.. 'instrumental' more than 'classical' really, but also very cool stuff.
look on Amazon.com for MP3 collections that are very cheap (some free) http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=digital-music&field-keywords=classical lots of inexpensive collections to test the waters with.
