Shostakovich

[philmayfield 6,187]

I’m not seriously in to classical music. I heard some some Shostakovich extracts on the BBC this morning. Do people really enjoy this or am I a Phillistine? 

[Jill Sparrow 10,316]

Shostakovich isn't too bad, although much too modern for my taste. Stockhausen is much worse. Sir Adrian Boult, I think twas, who retorted on being asked whether he had played any Stockhausen, "No, but I trod in some on the way to the concert hall!"  

 

 Each to their own. If we were all the same, what would be the use of fancy waistcoats?

[loppylugs 8,429]

Some might pretend to enjoy it to appear 'avant garde'  I guess if Stanton Ironworks is still running you could go hear it for free.

An indicator of the decline of civilization.

[The Pianoman 1,535]

Best Russian composer next to Tchaikovsky IMHO but you need to know what to listen to:

 

 

[philmayfield 6,187]

Not just me then. What about Schoenberg?

[Jill Sparrow 10,316]

I once had to study Schoenberg's Ode To Napoleon Bonaparte for an exam. You wouldn't listen to something like that for fun! He was credited with creating the twelve tone system but, actually, Bach did it first!

 

As to Russian music...anything but Glinka!

[philmayfield 6,187]

I quite like Elgar. Am I naff?

[The Pianoman 1,535]

I'm liking Elgar more as I get older.

[philmayfield 6,187]

Oh, it’s for those in their twilight years is it?

[Willow wilson 897]

This would be an excellent sound track to a film  of a North Notts resident wearing deerstalker driving the country lanes in an open topped car.

[Beekay 5,182]

Whilst surveying his lawns being mown and baled perhaps? 

[philmayfield 6,187]

I once listened to the music of Elgar in his home surroundings of the Malvern Hills whilst driving my Morgan which was built in nearby Malvern Link. An idyllic moment. I still have the cd but no longer have a Morgan.

Deerstalker! I had a leather flying helmet, goggles and a sheepskin flying jacket. Got to do things properly!

 

 

 

 

 

[siddha 825]

I wear similar stuff in the cooler months when driving open top cars.

Not Morgans ....... unless the 3 wheeled ones powered by British engines.

Talbots, Sunbeams and Rileys in more recent decades.....

[Jill Sparrow 10,316]

Elgar doesn't do much for me. Orlando Gibbons or Ralph Vaughan Williams is quintessentially English to my ears. Butterworth would have joined the group, had he lived.

[loppylugs 8,429]

Re. my ear)ier comments I was confusing him with Stockhausen mentioned by Jill.  Some Shostakovitch is not bad.  A)ways liked some Elgar since schooldays.  Favorite modern composer would probably be Richard Strauss.  Check out 'Ein Heldenleben.'  Trans'  A Heroes Life.'  Love it but some may not.  Needs to be played loud.   Also, 'Thus Spake Zarathustra.'  opening bars made famous in Kubricks '2001 A Space Odysey.'

[Ayupmeducks 1,730]

I love Elgar, I can close my eyes listening to his music, it takes me to rolling green English hills, wit a steam train in the distance like it used to be in the 50's, no hustle and bustle, with rolling clouds casting their shadows over sheep and cows grazing, the sound of insects buzzing around.

[MRS B 533]

siddha talking about 3 wheelers, my brother had a mate called Clink Clark who had a red bubble car. Unfortunately the reg began with PTO so invariably if he parked it anywhere it was turned over. 

[loppylugs 8,429]

Here is a modern composer I really enjoy Gustav Mahler.

 

Above is the 3rd movement from his fifth symphony.  After the first Mrs. L died almost 25 years ago I came across this and it brought me a lot of peace and good memories as well as tears.  Srill does even as I listen just now

I often joke there was nothing worth listening to after Bach.  This proves me wrong.  Hope you like it.

[siddha 825]

Very wonderful music. Thanks.