What are you listening to?

[Jared]

This is a wonderful CD with beautiful melodies, rich harmonies and soaring sopranos!

I don't mind those sorts of soaring sopranos!

[bombasticDarren]

I did, but I fear opera will always be a passion that I prefer to enjoy in short controlled bursts whilst lazing around at home...;-)

I'm pleased I'm not the only one.. occasionally, I suffer from delusions of adequacy in this field, but I fear it will never happen.

I once felt like that lads but having taken a few tentative steps during the second half of last year I can see a change here for me. What I will say though is that it very much depends on the work itself and what it has to offer rather than who the shrieking soprano happens to be.

Just to clarify: opera is fine when I am comfortable, but a struggle when I am sitting in a warm arena for 4 hours...I don't think any music could provide any anaesthetic for that torture.... ;-)

Having said that, I rarely disagree with someone who finds opera hard work. If it's not for you, then so be it Jared :-D

[fergus]

I don't mind those sorts of soaring sopranos!

I was wondering whether or not you would spot that!!

I must say Jared I really like the music of Taverner....I find it very appealing!

[bombasticDarren]

Haydn - String Quartet Op.76 No.2 Fifths (Amadeus Quartet, DG)

[Jared]

I don't mind those sorts of soaring sopranos!

I was wondering whether or not you would spot that!!

I must say Jared I really like the music of Taverner....I find it very appealing!

please, please think about purchasing that Sheppard disk I've posted on here a few times recently... you would love Media Vita so very much...

[bombasticDarren]

I did, but I fear opera will always be a passion that I prefer to enjoy in short controlled bursts whilst lazing around at home...;-)

I'm pleased I'm not the only one.. occasionally, I suffer from delusions of adequacy in this field, but I fear it will never happen.

I once felt like that lads but having taken a few tentative steps during the second half of last year I can see a change here for me. What I will say though is that it very much depends on the work itself and what it has to offer rather than who the shrieking soprano happens to be.

I agree Fergus. I look at the composer first, then the conductor and only after that do I consider the singers

[Jared]

Having said that, I rarely disagree with someone who finds opera hard work. If it's not for you, then so be it Jared :-D

Darren, a few months ago, I dedicated a thread on this site to my feelings about this 'A Very Personal Question'... it's now on page 2, but is something I wouldn't have dreamt of posting in the other place... have a read if you like.

In essence, I'm always torn between on the one hand trying to be more open-minded and accepting of new repertoire, trying to increase my knowledge by being non-judgemental, whilst on the other actually listening to music I really enjoy... saying that I really don't enjoy some music may be closed minded, but at least it does allow you more time to concentrate on the repertoire you really love; and who knows? the rest might follow in years to come.

[fergus]

please, please think about purchasing that Sheppard disk I've posted on here a few times recently... you would love Media Vita so very much...

Have no fear Jared I think that there are two if not three Sheppard CDs on my Wish List at present!

[bombasticDarren]

Haydn - String Quartet Op.76 No.3 Emperor (Amadeus Quartet, DG)

[fergus]

Darren, a few months ago, I dedicated a thread on this site to my feelings about this 'A Very Personal Question'... it's now on page 2, but is something I wouldn't have dreamt of posting in the other place... have a read if you like.

In essence, I'm always torn between on the one hand trying to be more open-minded and accepting of new repertoire, trying to increase my knowledge by being non-judgemental, whilst on the other actually listening to music I really enjoy... saying that I really don't enjoy some music may be closed minded, but at least it does allow you more time to concentrate on the repertoire you really love; and who knows? the rest might follow in years to come.

In areas where I have struggled in the past Jared I have found that to be the case.