What are you listening to?

[bombasticDarren]

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.

I do remember reading that thread when I came back to TN Jared :-)

I certainly think that, as long as you give things a try, you're on safe ground and are being open-minded. And if after trying things out they don't work for you then move on to something you do enjoy. Some music is just harder work than others for me - particularly vocal music - so I play it less. Even though I appreciate many of it's qualities, some music appeals to me less than others....

[Jared]

Some music is just harder work than others for me - particularly vocal music - so I play it less. Even though I appreciate many of it's qualities, some music appeals to me less than others....

yes, but it is so interesting that some of the things you struggle with a bit, I love... large scale choral works like Masses and Requiems, I would rate as being my favourite medium, possibly alongside Symphonies... Oratorios wouldn't be far behind, which is why I'm mystified why I struggle with Opera so much. You also find Lieder hard work, and Fergus struggles with piano music, both of which I love (although in the case of Lieder, it's something I've worked on quite a bit). And yet, there would be no point me pushing beyone Martinu in terms of 20th Cent repertoire... as I think it would be pointless.

[fergus]

....And yet, there would be no point me pushing beyone Martinu in terms of 20th Cent repertoire... as I think it would be pointless.

All of the above are very good points from both yourself and Darren but you also have to remember Jared that, although not a Newbie any more you do not have, relatively speaking, a lot of mileage on the clock. I do not say that in a patronising way but rather suggest that your ear has not been quite tuned to the modern stuff yet. Interestingly, I have found as others also have, that the more Early Music that I listen to the more I begin to understand and accept modern music. I find that interesting!

[bombasticDarren]

Schubert - Symphony No.9 Great (Charles Mackerras, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Telarc)

[bombasticDarren]

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.

Yes, it's important to remember that tastes develop. I have plenty of time to develop my listening skills...

[bombasticDarren]

Ravel - Piano Concerto for the left hand & Le tombeau de Couperin (Werner Haas/Alceo Galliera, Orchestre National de l'Opera de Monte-Carlo, Philips)

[fergus]

[bombasticDarren]

Rautavaara - Symphony No.7 Angel of Light (Hannu Koivula, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Naxos)

[ravel30]

Rautavaara - Symphony No.7 Angel of Light (Hannu Koivula, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Naxos)

Niiiiice!!! Love that piece and that composer.

Matt.

[Jared]

I must confess that this charity shop purchase from before Xmas is the first Haydn disk I have heard from Goodman, and I'm most impressed... brisk tempos, with a lightness of touch which allows the music to breathe and radiate... an excellent purchase.