The matter of my feelings about music, basically mixed, has been raised here. Having been brought up in a house where father's taste ruled - "The Black and White Minstrel Show" (blacked-up white men and not-blacked up white women, made Al Jolson look and sound superb - it would (rightfully) be illegal now) and "Sing Something Simple", the chocolate box art/nostalgic christmas card style of music. Yech!
"Dan Dare" and "Journey into Space" (non-Brits might need to look those up!) were more my listening style.
Never got into music after that, science etc far more interesting.
Then came "2001: a Space Odyssey", I paid a small fortune in fares and ticket to see the second night screening at the Leicester Square cinema where the London Premier was held.
I was sold on Straus' opening fanfare from "Also Spracht Zarathustra" and on "The Blue Danube" - I saw the film five times and in one arts cinema they turned the volume up so far you could feel the fanfare in your gut! It was standing room only and I stood for the whole thing. (Normally nice little tables and a drinks bar, so many people turned up they took the tables and chairs out. It was a great evening!)
Now, meh, music is OK but I can take it or leave it. No music has git into me like that experience and, not being paticularly nostalgic, even those pieces do not stir me as they once did.
There is a programme on BBC called "Desert Island Discs" where the interviewee, celebrity, politician, artist, author, scientist, chef - whatever - chosses eight recirds if stranded on an idland. The person might interest me but their music choice usually leaves me cold. So I avoid the programme unless the interviewee is really special in my mind.
What does music do for you?
Music can arouse my emotions to the point of tears. I am talking of quality music, not some kind of acid rock noise or the psuedo folk music that uses three chords on a guitar, banging drums, off pitch vocals and nothing else. There are so many astoundingly accomplished musicians out there that it boggles the mind. ....
Check out some of these names that you can easily find on You Tube.....Ana Vikovic, Yuja Wang, Alison Balsom,,, respectively, classical guitar, piano virtuoso, trumpet wizard. Juvenile vocalists like Laura Bretan, Amira Willighagen, and others are so incredibly talented that it is thrilling. You want to hear some creative familiar tunes played in a semi jazz way then check out Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alborighni for some foot tapping pop music. Damjian Pejinoski is a gypsy style jazz guitarist who can really get it on. You Brits have a spectacularly talented group in the BBC Proms series. All those are on You Tube for free. Don't waste your opportunity for pleasurable listening by failing to explore some of the marvelous gifts from those and so many other musical talents.
Idk if I should say what music does for me...
In my school years, music played a minor role. I detested taking a (required) music class when I was 13 or 14. That's Junior High School, where I come from. I had people ask me about popular songs in high school, but I hadn't a clue about it; I was pretty introverted. I listened to AM radio in the car, but it was just what we did; there wasn't any appreciation of virtuosity for me in those days. I was a math and science kind of guy, and ended up with a degree in physics. I think music saved my sanity when commuting long distance to work for over 30 years- not having to listen to ads. Now, I have that music I bought during all those years on my iPod and laptop, and listen to music nonstop when playing video games (Cribbage or some solitaire version of Mah-Jong, not shoot-'em-up stuff- I play none of those) and surfing the net, and enjoy it.
It resonates with me, moves me, gives my mind a place to wander during long daily commutes on the bus and helps me fall asleep at night. It helps me concentrate (music without lyrics) and distracts me (music with lyrics) when I'm looking for a distraction.
Ever since I was a young teen listening to the likes of the Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls I loved it, though I'm not as keen on pop music these days as I was then.
Quote from: Fireball on September 03, 2017, 02:31:03 AM...and listen to music nonstop when playing video games...
One of my favourite games is Audiosurf, in which you "ride your music". You might enjoy it, if you don't play it already. ;D
Quote from: Gloucester on September 02, 2017, 07:14:05 PM
I was sold on Straus' opening fanfare from "Also Spracht Zarathustra" and on "The Blue Danube"
..........
What does music do for you?
Kubrick used the music of two different Strausses in 2001: a Space Odyssey: Richard Strauss (Also Sprach Zarathustra) and Johann Strauss II (The Blue Danube). I know many people whose interest in "Classical" music started in the same way you describe.
What does music do for me? Music is a very important part of my life. Listening is an experience I get totally absorbed in - unlike most people I do not see pictures or colours when I listen to music, but it is almost as if the sounds penetrate my whole body and I go into almost a trance-like state. I listen mostly to music from Bach to Bartok. I am especially attracted to French composers like Debussy, Ravel, Faure, even batty old Berlioz. I also love to listen to more recent music like Glass and Boulez. Most more popular music sounds very dull and flat compared to classical music. Try this experiment: listen to Le Sacre du Printemps and then immediately switch over to any radio station that broadcasts pop music. Having said that, I must say I still admire Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, as well as newer stuff by Roger Waters and David Gilmour.
One of the joys of music is discovering a composer or performer one has not heard before, and then following up to see what else they have done.
One can tell quite a bit about someone if you ask them to list their favourite composers. It will be nice to see what other members like to listen to. I know there is a What Are You Listening To thread, but this is a bit different.
QuoteI know there is a What Are You Listening To thread, but this is a bit different.
Yes, this is more of a "Why are you listening to it" thread :)
I can be moved by music but I do not find that I use it as motivation or relief, I do not turn to it habitually - it is usually a "spur if the moment" decision to put music on, one that has not pierced me for many months now. My mood has to be relaxed and in a mental idle mode before I even think about it, otherwise I will turn to a book.
Thinking about it I prefer "graphic" music, Dvojak's "New World", Elgar's "The Planets", even Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and others.
Quote from: Gloucester on September 03, 2017, 09:37:10 AM
Thinking about it I prefer "graphic" music, Dvojak's "New World", Elgar's "The Planets", even Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and others.
Sorry to sound like the music police, but Gustav Holst wrote
The Planets. I know I am a pain in the butt!
Quote from: hermes2015 on September 03, 2017, 10:10:41 AM
Quote from: Gloucester on September 03, 2017, 09:37:10 AM
Thinking about it I prefer "graphic" music, Dvojak's "New World", Elgar's "The Planets", even Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and others.
Sorry to sound like the music police, but Gustav Holst wrote The Planets. I know I am a pain in the butt!
You are right to "arrest" my error, what on Earth (or Venus or Mars or . , ,) was I thinking of!? By Jupiter, that was a stupid mistake. Actually I do like a lot of Elgar, particularly the "Enigma Variations".
Quote from: Gloucester on September 03, 2017, 10:54:47 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on September 03, 2017, 10:10:41 AM
Quote from: Gloucester on September 03, 2017, 09:37:10 AM
Thinking about it I prefer "graphic" music, Dvojak's "New World", Elgar's "The Planets", even Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and others.
Sorry to sound like the music police, but Gustav Holst wrote The Planets. I know I am a pain in the butt!
You are right to "arrest" my error, what on Earth (or Venus or Mars or . , ,) was I thinking of!? By Jupiter, that was a stupid mistake. Actually I do like a lot of Elgar, particularly the "Enigma Variations".
Ha! Another English composer I like is Delius. He was also quite a naughty boy, which appeals to me as well.
The music I enjoy the most has a... twist, if you can call it that. Here's a song all of you have probably heard before, The Weight by The Band, but it features The Staple Singers and adds new depth to a group that already featured very contrasting vocal styles: https://youtu.be/sjCw3-YTffo (https://youtu.be/sjCw3-YTffo)
This one always makes me choke up. https://youtu.be/LjtyDTZQC4M (https://youtu.be/LjtyDTZQC4M)
Quote from: Dave on September 03, 2017, 09:37:10 AM
... Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and others.
I love Vivaldi's Summer - Presto! I can listen to it over and over again. :tellmemore:
Quote from: jumbojak on September 03, 2017, 03:03:09 PM
The music I enjoy the most has a... twist, if you can call it that. Here's a song all of you have probably heard before, The Weight by The Band, but it features The Staple Singers and adds new depth to a group that already featured very contrasting vocal styles: https://youtu.be/sjCw3-YTffo (https://youtu.be/sjCw3-YTffo)
Not a common sort of music on this side of the Pond. Hmm, didn't do a lot for me but, that's individual taste for yer! I do actually like some if the American banjo and violin music, especially the latter - some of it is remiscent of Celtic music. There is one very fast piece, I forget the title but it has the word "devil" in it, that was a favourite for a while.
But, still no inclination to put a CD on unless the mood is dead right and I am fed up with reading and there's nothing on the radio I want to listen to . . .
Quote from: hermes2015 on September 03, 2017, 08:27:41 AM
One can tell quite a bit about someone if you ask them to list their favourite composers. It will be nice to see what other members like to listen to. I know there is a What Are You Listening To thread, but this is a bit different.
I would consider UNKLE's "Ever Rest" to be up there amongst my favourites.
I don't know if I want to know what that says about me. :P
But I like more dramatic songs as well, such as Clint Mansell's "Requiem for a dream" (starts to get interesting at 2:20).
I love 'glitch' music as well.
And glitch/rap mix (I think most of you might hate this type of music :D ) :
And aggressive Celldweller for when I feel like listening to something with the volume up.
:dance:
Was it DevIL Went Down to Georgia, Dave? That was Charlie Daniels.
Quote from: jumbojak on September 03, 2017, 05:03:56 PM
Was it DevIL Went Down to Georgia, Dave? That was Charlie Daniels.
That's the one, thanks, jj!
These are my first tier composers in alphabetical order, the ones I could not live without. The ones in bold more than any others, and Mozart probably the one I would give my life for.
Bach (J. S.)
Bartok
Beethoven
Brahms
Copland
Debussy
Mahler
Mozart
Prokofiev
Ravel
Schubert
Shostakovich
Stravinsky
Takemitsu
Wagner
The second tier list is very long, too long to list here.
Dave, the title of the wild violin music was probably: The Devil Went Down To Georgia. It is about a contest between a country fiddler and the devil. Sort of a Faustian bargaining thing. The fiddle playing is spectacular in parts. On the cultural level of that tune a violin is called a fiddle
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 03, 2017, 03:24:11 PM
Quote from: Dave on September 03, 2017, 09:37:10 AM
... Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and others.
I love Vivaldi's Summer - Presto! I can listen to it over and over again. :tellmemore:
You should listen to Philip Glass' Violin Concerto No. 2 (The American Four Seasons), which was inspired by Vivaldi's compositions. I have a copy of it and listen to it form time to time. I think you will like the last movement.
Quote from: hermes2015 on September 04, 2017, 07:36:52 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 03, 2017, 03:24:11 PM
Quote from: Dave on September 03, 2017, 09:37:10 AM
... Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and others.
I love Vivaldi's Summer - Presto! I can listen to it over and over again. :tellmemore:
You should listen to Philip Glass' Violin Concerto No. 2 (The American Four Seasons), which was inspired by Vivaldi's compositions. I have a copy of it and listen to it form time to time. I think you will like the last movement.
I once heard another "seasons" that was very different, very heavy, you could close your eyes and see the winter storms, the lighning, the torrential rain. Hoped the above was it. However, the video accompanying the Yt version I found is terrific, will watch/listen to the whole thing later!
Quote from: Dave on September 04, 2017, 08:58:06 AM
I once heard another "seasons" that was very different, very heavy, you could close your eyes and see the winter storms, the lighning, the torrential rain. Hoped the above was it. However, the video accompanying the Yt version I found is terrific, will watch/listen to the whole thing later!
No, that is from his Violin Concerto No. 1, which I also have. It sounds more typically like Glass than No. 2, The American Four Seasons.
Am I nudging you in the direction of becoming more of a music lover?
Quote from: hermes2015 on September 04, 2017, 09:27:50 AM
Quote from: Dave on September 04, 2017, 08:58:06 AM
I once heard another "seasons" that was very different, very heavy, you could close your eyes and see the winter storms, the lighning, the torrential rain. Hoped the above was it. However, the video accompanying the Yt version I found is terrific, will watch/listen to the whole thing later!
No, that is from his Violin Concerto No. 1, which I also have. It sounds more typically like Glass than No. 2, The American Four Seasons.
Am I nudging you in the direction of becoming more of a music lover?
Oops, I copied the title from your post into Yt and that is was it gave - did not think to check and only "sampled" the piece. Still a great video though!
Oh, i do like music, just that it is not part of my "needs". I used to watch/listen to the BBC Proms (if the music was to my choice), with a glass or four of wine, when I had a TV. That made it an "ocassion", it was "multi-sensorial" (as was "Sunrise" at flat out volume in the cinema), something special. But in everyday life? Whilst I am wirking or reading? As a "pastime" in its own right? Nope, does nothing for me. In fact it is distracting.
As an art and a science I find it fascinating. There was a series of "master classes" in musicology, conducting, composing, extemporising (in jazz) etc on TV once - did not miss a single prog. Not one on the psychology of music though (unless I dud miss thst one) - pity.
PS, found the Glass concerto now, um, I will stick with Vivaldi personally, both are fast and complex in parts but Glass seems, somehow, too frenetic to my ears.
Quote from: Dave on September 04, 2017, 09:50:58 AM
PS, found the Glass concerto now, um, I will stick with Vivaldi personally, both are fast and complex in parts but Glass seems, somehow, too frenetic to my ears.
I can take Glass in small doses that I enjoy very much. He can be frenetic and his trademark is to repeat a phrase over and over, often quite rapidly. His collaboration with Ravi Shankar has resulted in some nice music that I also like very much. He is not seen to be in the same class as Karl Jenkins, but I still think he will be remembered as an important composer.
Quote from: hermes2015 on September 04, 2017, 07:36:52 AM
You should listen to Philip Glass' Violin Concerto No. 2 (The American Four Seasons), which was inspired by Vivaldi's compositions. I have a copy of it and listen to it form time to time. I think you will like the last movement.
This?
:tellmemore:
I like it. I like the pace.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 06, 2017, 12:33:46 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on September 04, 2017, 07:36:52 AM
You should listen to Philip Glass' Violin Concerto No. 2 (The American Four Seasons), which was inspired by Vivaldi's compositions. I have a copy of it and listen to it form time to time. I think you will like the last movement.
This?
:tellmemore:
I like it. I like the pace.
Yes, that is the correct one. A lot of his music is very driving. I have not heard this version played by McDuffie before; my recording is by Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica.
Amusingly enough, Glass wrote an opera called "Einstein on the Beach" with equally compelling music.
Edited to delete the post.... I missed the whole 2nd page of this thread.... It's still early for my brain to be functioning properly.... I need to put on some Quiet Riot or something to wake me up :smug:
I just tried listening to about a half hour of Philip Glass.... couldn't handle any more. That particular music makes my insides feel twitchy.
Music also resonates deep within my body and my psyche. Big boisterous operas like Carmina Burana, turned up loud, evoke my feelings of medieval royalty.....
Light classical music, though I don't listen often, makes me feel like the world is in order and sunshine is sparkling out of my heart....
Christopher Cross and the Bee Gees takes me back to being little on a Saturday morning, helping my momma dust the house, with dust motes floating through the sun coming in the window....
Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd and The Doors make me feel like a teenager again, getting high with my best friends, walking around on a black snowy night, having to brush accumulated piles off our shoulders and thinking it was the funniest thing in the world, noses pink from the cold, but hearts warm.....
Disco music (KC and the Sunshine Band, Bee Gees, etc.) and funky stuff (Jamiroquoi) makes me want to bust a move, which I often do. Dancing is my favorite.
Eminem is such an asshole but God he's hot, and his music makes me want to get shit done, and maybe punch something...but in a good way!
And John Denver, Steely Dan, Colby Caillat, Nora Jones, Maroon 5, Enigma, Florence and the Machine, Queensryche, James Taylor, George Michael (oh god, George Michael..... Oh god...) they all evoke great emotions and memories.
I love so many different music types, and I love the music thread here, you guys are always introducing me to great new stuff. :party:
Dragonia, glad to hear that you tried Glass. As I said in an earlier post, I can only take him in small doses as well. I agree about Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd - they mean a lot to me. I probably listen to classical music 99% of the time, but not just the the ones in my earlier list for of first-tier favourites. I like being challenged by composers like Schoenberg and Alban Berg, even Varese, who I actually like very much. Today I listened to Schoenberg's Gurrelieder, which is very exciting, but I would not recommend it to newcomers to classical music. My tastes are not really for the light classics, but lean very much in the direction of chamber music, especially string quartets by people like Beethoven, Debussy, and Ravel..
I think you may like Respighi's pieces. They are very descriptive and tuneful. Try Pini di Roma first.
Ok Hermes, tomorrow, I shall take your hand as you lead me me down your path towards musical bliss. I will be at home cleaning all day and this just adds another level of excitement to my free day! Ill let you know how it goes ;)
Quote from: Dragonia on September 08, 2017, 03:19:09 AM
Ok Hermes, tomorrow, I shall take your hand as you lead me me down your path towards musical bliss. I will be at home cleaning all day and this just adds another level of excitement to my free day! Ill let you know how it goes ;)
You have such a silken tongue! I hope you enjoy it. A link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pini+di+roma+respighi
Quote from: Dragonia on September 07, 2017, 01:39:30 PM
Music also resonates deep within my body and my psyche. Big boisterous operas like Carmina Burana, turned up loud, evoke my feelings of medieval royalty.....
:lol:
I think that sometimes it's best not to know what the lyrics translate to:
:P
Anyone have playlists for different moods? ;D
(https://scontent.fpoa4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21430417_525119324546870_1122014484985305259_n.jpg?oh=6e37c1bfdc731cb2a5ab7b846e19886c&oe=5A159DFF)
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 10, 2017, 11:38:52 PM
Quote from: Dragonia on September 07, 2017, 01:39:30 PM
Music also resonates deep within my body and my psyche. Big boisterous operas like Carmina Burana, turned up loud, evoke my feelings of medieval royalty.....
:lol:
I think that sometimes it's best not to know what the lyrics translate to:
:P
Thanks, that's useful. If anyone wants a PDF with the words of the complete Carmina Burana, let me know. The recording conducted by Eugen Jochum in the 1960s that was endorsed by Carl Orff is the benchmark and still sounds amazingly good, even on modern equipment.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 11, 2017, 12:13:28 AM
Anyone have playlists for different moods? ;D
(https://scontent.fpoa4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21430417_525119324546870_1122014484985305259_n.jpg?oh=6e37c1bfdc731cb2a5ab7b846e19886c&oe=5A159DFF)
I have all kinds of playlists. Here's a few from my google music account:
(https://i.imgur.com/vpTe08f.png)
Quote from: Davin on September 11, 2017, 03:58:58 PM
I have all kinds of playlists. Here's a few from my google music account:
(https://i.imgur.com/vpTe08f.png)
Very impressive, "Huricane"
Davin. :smilenod:
I remember when you posted this one a long time ago, I think it's a feel good song: :dance1:
I can see why it's under, "addicted." :)
Quote from: Davin on September 11, 2017, 03:58:58 PM
I have all kinds of playlists. Here's a few from my google music account:
(https://i.imgur.com/vpTe08f.png)
Is that the "Drink the Sea" cover I see in your Programming playlist? ;D
Quote from: Magdalena on September 11, 2017, 07:09:25 PM
Quote from: Davin on September 11, 2017, 03:58:58 PM
I have all kinds of playlists. Here's a few from my google music account:
https://i.imgur.com/vpTe08f.png (https://i.imgur.com/vpTe08f.png)
Very impressive, "Huricane" Davin. :smilenod:
I remember when you posted this one a long time ago, I think it's a feel good song: :dance1:
I can see why it's under, "addicted." :)
Yeah, I really like that one. My Addicted playlist is all the songs that I can listen to no matter how many times I listen to them.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 11, 2017, 09:29:27 PM
Quote from: Davin on September 11, 2017, 03:58:58 PM
I have all kinds of playlists. Here's a few from my google music account:
(https://i.imgur.com/vpTe08f.png)
Is that the "Drink the Sea" cover I see in your Programming playlist? ;D
Oh yeah, I like the Glitch Mob. But I only started listening to them after I got the Tron: Legacy Reconfigured soundtrack. That album, well both Tron: Legacy soundtracks are in my programming list. I don't always listen to it when programming, but when I need a little help concentrating, that playlist helps.
Check this one out if you have time. It grabs me pretty good because the musicians are so well coordinated.....Old standard tune....hope you like it.; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEPQp3Bn4hM
Listening to music while tabulating data makes the process less tiresome.
Quote from: Icarus on September 16, 2017, 01:29:04 AM
Check this one out if you have time. It grabs me pretty good because the musicians are so well coordinated.....Old standard tune....hope you like it.; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEPQp3Bn4hM
That reminded me of the music from Super Mario Bros. 2 (US)
After an especially stressful day at work, listening to AC/DC at full volume can bring me back to normal as quick as a double shot of Bourbon. It sort of acts like electro-convulsive therapy.
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on September 18, 2017, 04:57:49 PM
After an especially stressful day at work, listening to AC/DC at full volume can bring me back to normal as quick as a double shot of Bourbon. It sort of acts like electro-convulsive therapy.
Why is it that I'm remembering that scene from the awful movie Suicide Squad?
What's your 'normal', I wonder? ;)
But yeah, some loud music can be extremely cathartic.
I find it helps with the sex
I seem to be the only one
It's what it's mostly all about
Why it's bothered the staid so.
Thought this was interesting.
http://neurosciencenews.com/music-chills-neuroscience-6167/ (http://neurosciencenews.com/music-chills-neuroscience-6167/)
I guess I have a unique brain then... that's just like other peoples. When I listen to music, I often get chills, even if I've heard a song many times.
Very occasionally I am emotionaly moved by music but could not say I get "chills". Some times I am physicslly moved, as in moving fast to hit the "mute" button if rap or techno music comes on!
Silly title anyway, surely every brain is unique so if two brains were alike they are there not unique.
Quote from: Dave on October 26, 2017, 04:28:24 PM
Very occasionally I am emotionaly moved by music but could not say I get "chills". Some times I am physicslly moved, as in moving fast to hit the "mute" button if rap or techno music comes on!
:lol:
QuoteSilly title anyway, surely every brain is unique so if two brains were alike they are there not unique.
Yes, no two brains are wired the same, not even those of twins that start off genetically identical.
Like Dave I am not at all interested or moved by some of the mod "music" that to me is not music but mere noise. On the other hand there is a certain kind of music that invariably brings me to tears. Macho guys are not supposed to be subject to tears of joy or sadness. I do not display my tears openly, but when a talented vocalist does something like....Nessun Dorma,....A talented classical guitarist or flautist does Cavatina.... or something like that, I do get all teary eyed. I wonder why. I am not ashamed of my emotional response but i do not share it openly. Something about the macho bullshit I suppose.
A thought just hit me (ouch): how much of ability of music to invoke an emotiial stste is due to the actual notes and their relationships? I have a fruend who insists that only the words move him, he has no time for purely jnstrumental mudic. But, Icarus, do you understand the words of "Nessun Dorms" or is it the sound of the voice and music that moves you?
I love the sound of Vittoria de los Angeles voice, even when she sings that piece that is mainly "mouth music" or even the "Cat's duet". Even in speech tone "qualifies" a word, wonder if this goes back to the times of pre-language, when the tones in vocalisations gave the main message?
Dave, that is a probing and proper question. I do not recall that I have tried to delineate the differences in vocal or instrumental sounds.
Way back in time there was a female vocalist named June Christie whose voice had astounding range. She was the vocalist with a progressive band that was led by a remarkable pianist named Stan Kenton. Ms. Christie used her voice not only to form words but also to function as an instrument. I enjoyed that band and Ms Christie but did not find that it moved me to tears.
I can get all emotional with an instrumental rendition of certain music. The first thing that comes to mind is the piece; Cavatina. It is mostly a piece that features classical guitars, ocassionally with flute. The flute is beautiful but does not get to me like the guitars can. And only a few of the guitarists have the emotional thrust that makes me lachrymose. I suspect that the fact that Cavatina was the theme music in the movie Deer Hunter might have something to do with the emotional content. That movie was a tragedy...about the Vietnam war.
Things like Peer Gynte suite, and some of the Sibelius music stirs my soul. I have non mainstream tastes perhaps.
There are vocalists that can thrill me. The purity and elegance of a voice can get to me in some cases. I seldom feel the same degree of emotional satisfaction with male vocalists although a few of them can come close. Right now I am overwhelmed by the talent of a 15 year old American girl named Laura Bretan. Part of her superb talent lies in her uncommonly effective stage presence. There are other young females with voices like angels on high. Just not a lot of them. I really admire the homely woman, Susan Boyle whose rendition of the Les Miserables song; I Dreamed a Dream is spectacular. Not tear evoking but really splendid. For a torch singer I cannot help but favor an obscure Brit woman named Alice Freedenham. She can deliver the sexiest lyrics ever. My long term favorite was Linda Ronstadt but only after she became associated with her mentor Nelson Riddle. Linda does not give me tears but does make me smile. Too bad she has lost her voice to some malady or other, Multiple sclerosis or something like that.
I am much pleased that certain bits of music give me such joy. One of the few regrets that I have about my eventual death is that I will no longer be able to become engrossed in beautiful music.
Quote from: Icarus on October 28, 2017, 06:12:13 AM
Dave, that is a probing and proper question. I do not recall that I have tried to delineate the differences in vocal or instrumental sounds.
Way back in time there was a female vocalist named June Christie whose voice had astounding range. She was the vocalist with a progressive band that was led by a remarkable pianist named Stan Kenton. Ms. Christie used her voice not only to form words but also to function as an instrument. I enjoyed that band and Ms Christie but did not find that it moved me to tears.
I can get all emotional with an instrumental rendition of certain music. The first thing that comes to mind is the piece; Cavatina. It is mostly a piece that features classical guitars, ocassionally with flute. The flute is beautiful but does not get to me like the guitars can. And only a few of the guitarists have the emotional thrust that makes me lachrymose. I suspect that the fact that Cavatina was the theme music in the movie Deer Hunter might have something to do with the emotional content. That movie was a tragedy...about the Vietnam war.
Things like Peer Gynte suite, and some of the Sibelius music stirs my soul. I have non mainstream tastes perhaps.
There are vocalists that can thrill me. The purity and elegance of a voice can get to me in some cases. I seldom feel the same degree of emotional satisfaction with male vocalists although a few of them can come close. Right now I am overwhelmed by the talent of a 15 year old American girl named Laura Bretan. Part of her superb talent lies in her uncommonly effective stage presence. There are other young females with voices like angels on high. Just not a lot of them. I really admire the homely woman, Susan Boyle whose rendition of the Les Miserables song; I Dreamed a Dream is spectacular. Not tear evoking but really splendid. For a torch singer I cannot help but favor an obscure Brit woman named Alice Freedenham. She can deliver the sexiest lyrics ever. My long term favorite was Linda Ronstadt but only after she became associated with her mentor Nelson Riddle. Linda does not give me tears but does make me smile. Too bad she has lost her voice to some malady or other, Multiple sclerosis or something like that.
I am much pleased that certain bits of music give me such joy. One of the few regrets that I have about my eventual death is that I will no longer be able to become engrossed in beautiful music.
Icarus, you must remember Cleo Laine. What do you think of her? It's not the type of music I usually listen to, but I've enjoyed the few recordings I've heard of her singing with a jazz band.
^
Cleo lane was certainly one of my favourites to listen to but she does not "move"' me. Ditto Edith Piaff - can't understand one word in ten and by no means a "sweet" voice but something . . .
Quote from: Dave on October 28, 2017, 08:38:00 AM
^
Cleo lane was certainly one of my favourites to listen to but she does not "move"' me. Ditto Edith Piaff - can't understand one word in ten and by no means a "sweet" voice but something . . .
Yes, I love Edith Piaf (the little sparrow) as well. Also Jacques Brel, especially when he sings "Amsterdam" and "Marieke".
I forgot the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jalwU5D8Kag
This lady, Helena Hettema, follows in the cabaret tradition of Brel and Piaf, but usually performs in the Afrikaans language. This song is very moving, but I guess not many members here will understand the words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgJNYZGxbGs
Quote from: Dave on October 27, 2017, 09:42:39 AM
A thought just hit me (ouch): how much of ability of music to invoke an emotiial stste is due to the actual notes and their relationships? I have a fruend who insists that only the words move him, he has no time for purely jnstrumental mudic.
This seems odd to me, you've already said music isn't big in your life, different people's brains work in different ways and viva la difference and all that but it's obvious to me that music invokes evokes and stokes emotional states with its notes. If you've woken early feeling slothful and it's invade Poland day, you put on a bit of Wagner to get your blood up.
Mr Bean explained it all to me.
QuoteOh my beloved father,
I love him, I love him!
I'll go to Porta Rossa,
To buy our wedding ring.
Oh yes, I really love him.
And if you still say no,
I'll go to Ponte Vecchio,
And throw myself below.
My love for which I suffer,
At last, I want to die.
Father I beg, I beg.
Father I beg, I beg.
Callas should be burnt as a witch, she messes with my head.
She sings with heart breaking emotion, the orchestra doesn't play chopsticks in accompaniment.
Violins cry and scream, cellos tell a deeper story, the Thrones theme is full of foreboding and dark deeds.
Is a rose pleasing other than for its interesting utilisation of the Fibonacci sequence?
Resonate
No I'm not going to talk about it.
You either do or don't or fake it
Let us not derail the thread...... but BP please help me understand the roses relationship with the Fibonacci series. Sunflowers yes, roses ?
Quote from: Icarus on October 29, 2017, 04:20:08 AM
Let us not derail the thread...... but BP please help me understand the roses relationship with the Fibonacci series. Sunflowers yes, roses ?
I was riffing, one does not have time to google specifics when riffing.
I could've said flower I suppose.
I thought it a cool allusion but it's probably just schmaltz.
Music was the language that came before words, ye I know, schmaltz.
Dave:
QuoteA thought just hit me (ouch): how much of ability of music to invoke an emotiial stste is due to the actual notes and their relationships?
Of course it is so
it is so obvious
it gets used,
moves them
is much repeated
the kids turn away
variations introduced
moves them
is much repeated
becomes schmaltz
variations introduced
moves them
is much repeated