The mention of Saint-Saens on the Tumbleweed Suite, made me think it would be an idea to start a thread for classical music. Since everyone has one favourite piece, probably nine or ten, hopefully there will be a good response.
Start with Saint-Saens and Symphony No 3
normanhurst Triumviratus Rei Publicae Constituendae
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 12:34
Excellent idea trike… something I’d long thought of myself but lacked the courage to do so.
Surely even all you beastly-horrid pagans must admit this is rather good. Extremely moving, especially after half a bottle of decent Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Triceratops Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 14:41
"A Family at War" was my introduction to Vaughan Williams;
excerpt from Symphony No 6.
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 15:43
Two from Gustav Holst;
ferval Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 16:30
Temp, that is exquisite, I might have it at my funeral. Along with this (or any of the other 3)
Not a dry eye in the house.
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 16:34
Temp and Ferval, those are two new ones to me, many thanks for posting.
One that everyone knows;
Temperance Virgo Vestalis Maxima
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 18:11
My lilac tree, an English April evening, a bottle of Moet and this, ferval; who could resist? Josquin des Prez was Anne Boleyn's favourite composer:
Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 20:13
Beautiful my a***, norman.
I did quite a bit of ballet when I was young, and I still remember suffering to be one of those bloody little cygnets.
I could never get my foot exactly in the right place place (should be positioned just underneath the knee), and our ballet mistress *pinched* me there - so hard I had a huge bruise. Never forgot and never did it wrong again.
What you *never* see is the ballerinas backstage, when they've done their "floaty swan" bit - they come off sweating, bent over double, and gasping for breath - like ugly flatfish thrown up on the shore.
It's called suffering for your art.
Last edited by Temperance on Fri 09 Nov 2012, 20:51; edited 1 time in total
Temperance Virgo Vestalis Maxima
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 20:22
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Fri 09 Nov 2012, 23:18
There are so many pieces I enjoy, but perhaps my favourite is "The March of the Knights" from Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliette.
Meles meles Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 07:31
Temperance wrote:
Spem in alium nunquam habui by dear old Thomas Tallis. ("In no other is my hope...")
Surely even all you beastly-horrid pagans must admit this is rather good. Extremely moving, especially after half a bottle of decent Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
I could have guessed you'd be keen on Thomas Tallis, Temp. Well as a "beastly-horrid pagan" myself I'll offer The Lamentations of Jeremiah by Robert White, a contemporary of Tallis. Strictly it's music for Easter but it will do very well for Armistice Day.
Open the windows, put it on loud, pour that glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, remember and lament.
Just short of the 2 minute mark... brings a lump to my throat every time. There's an even better recording by the Tallis Scholars and that really is absolutely sublime.
Last edited by Meles meles on Sat 10 Nov 2012, 08:30; edited 1 time in total
Temperance Virgo Vestalis Maxima
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 08:26
Thank you for that, MM.
Oh heck, you've got me in tears here now - this will finish me off completely. It's Lacrimosa from Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor.
Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis".
(I'm allowed to be a bit melancholy and in a reflective mood today: it's my late partner's birthday, he died just 13 months ago, so Mozart's Requiem is just right too).
Temperance Virgo Vestalis Maxima
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 09:09
Fantasia is another of my favourites - I love all Vaughan Williams actually.
Hope you get through today all right, MM - I won't say that I hope it's not too painful for you, because I know it will be.
Autumn is such a bittersweet time of year too. Perhaps take Monsieur le Chien for a long walk? And then come back for several very large glasses of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape in the bar.
I'm off to clean our little church now, so, if it doesn't offend, I'll offer a little prayer for you after I've done the vacuuming.
Best wishes, old thing.
Meles meles Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 09:30
Thanks Temp.... though a little less of the "old" if you please!
It is indeed a lovely autumnal day here... the trees now in full colour, a little bit misty earlier on, now sunny but with just a little nip in the air, and also the first real snows on the surrounding mountain peaks.
And I'm enjoying listening to everyone's classic suggestions.
Since it is Autumn we've got to have this one by good old Antonio Vivaldi:
Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 10:58
Why have I started getting snap, crackle and pop when I listen to all this gorgeous stuff? It's not happened before and it's upsetting me.
Priscilla Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 11:33
I did not know that about A. Bolymn and J.des Prez music -so she was not all bad then? Great stuff to sing but needs hard rehersal work.
Being somewhat of a pig's ear when I began, Choral work eventually gave me a training in listening to all parts of the choir - and orchastral instruments too. Gradually this led to listening to obscure quartets and stuff with more understanding and total concentration.
Classical choices often depend on the mood of the moment but I can never resist the Andalusian suit as a reflection of a man's overwhelming love for a landscape and his homeland. Though not in heavy classical league I find it no less moving than parts of Marler's Ninth.
Like Temp, I also 'did ballet' for many years what surprises me is how I still recall the choreography of yes, that cygnet line for one.
Meles meles Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 11:58
Priscilla wrote:
Classical choices often depend on the mood of the moment .....
Yes indeed, and at the same time classical music, all music in fact, can also tap into the subconsious memory of places or events etc.... and so themselves invoke a certain mood. Some pieces for me always prompt certain memories, and while for others they might be just a nice bit of music, to me whenever I hear those pieces there is always the frisson of emotion, memory and association. (Whilst I can type out the name of Albinoni's Adagio - I know that if I actually hear it the hairs will stand up on the back of my neck!).
In much the same vein, Penguin Classics was a series of re-issued classic, classical CD recordings (late 1990's), each one accompanied by a short introduction by a well-known author (hence the Penguin books link). These short accompanying "essays", for want of another word, I always found fascinating since they explained just why that piece of music was personally significant to them. The writing, although necessarily short to fit on the inside of the CD cover, was always superb, as of course was the music.
OK, so here is Albinoni's Adagio in G minor for Strings and Organ:
...... but enough of my maudlin ramblings, I'm off for a walk with the dog. By the time I get back I hope someone has suggested something a bit more cheerful.
Last edited by Meles meles on Sun 11 Nov 2012, 16:20; edited 3 times in total
nordmann Nobiles Barbariæ
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 12:42
One for the mutt so, MM!
Meles meles Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 12:54
Well yes although of course his favourite classical composers are Bach and Offenbach .... oh, and of course Woof.
nordmann Nobiles Barbariæ
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 13:30
New Scientist agrees with him:
Quote :
Dogs prefer Bach to Britney 12:48 23 October 2002 by James Randerson Dogs are more relaxed and well-behaved when listening to classical music, rather than pop or heavy metal, according to a new behavioural study. The researchers say the results could help dog pounds work out the best play list for calming their canines.
"We had no reason to think that dogs should find classical music more relaxing," says Deborah Wells at Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, who led the research.
There have been numerous studies on animal reactions to music, including one finding that cows produce more milk when they are played slower tunes and another that playing a radio increases egg production in hens. But Wells say her work is the first investigation of dogs.
The researchers studied the reactions of 50 dogs to different types of music at the National Canine Defence League's Rehoming Centre in Evesham, Worcestershire, UK.
They played either a pop compilation CD (including Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Bob Marley), a classical CD (including Grieg's Morning, Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Beethoven's Ode to Joy), a Metallica album or a recording of human conversation. There was also a silent control.
Metal dogs The dogs made most noise when listening to Metallica. But classical music calmed them down, making them rest more and stand up less. Ironically, Bach (as well as the other classics) had them barking least of all. Pop music made little difference to their behaviour, compared with silence.
Becky Blackmore, head of kennels at Battersea Dogs Home in London, UK, says they already use music to keep their four legged guests content. "It does have a calming effect," she says. "But we avoid very loud music and anything raucous."
At Battersea they play "middle of the road" pop as well as classical music, but she says that variety is crucial. "If you just play them Classic FM all day they quickly filter it out and ignore it."
The limit on the volume control will for once be broken at the dogs home on 5th November, because of a large fireworks display. The pyrotechnics frighten the animals, says Blackmore: "We have terrible problems, so we'll have pretty loud music playing to distract the dogs."
normanhurst Triumviratus Rei Publicae Constituendae
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 14:25
So for the cows since they apparently like Beethoven as well
Meles meles Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sat 10 Nov 2012, 18:57
I realise that this is getting well outside the time range for classical music, but since this is an historical site, and with a nod to Temp's Missa Pange lingua by Anne Boleyn's favourite composer, Josquin des Prez, I thought I should offer up this one, by King Henry VIII himself.
(And no, it's not "Greensleeves", of which wiki correctly remarks: " There is a persistent belief that Greensleeves was composed by Henry VIII for his lover and future queen consort Anne Boleyn. Boleyn allegedly rejected King Henry's attempts to seduce her and this rejection may be referred to in the song when the writer's love "cast me off discourteously". However, Henry did not compose "Greensleeves", which is probably Elizabethan in origin and is based on an Italian style of composition that did not reach England until after his death" ).
Rather I give you Henry's "Tandernaken". The melody is again not an original Henrician composition since it is based on then very popular Flemish song, "T'Andernaken, al op den Rijn", which dates from the mid 15th century, but this arrangement for a broken (ie mixed) consort of viols, and recorders (and crummhorns too, although they do not appear in the following) does seem to have been (mostly) Henry's own work.
Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 12:07
For Alan and Priscilla;
Triceratops Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 12:24
An appropriate piece for Rememberance Sunday;
Triceratops Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 12:48
We've had a fairly wide spread of music so far, specially liked Norman's double "Sabre Dance".
This is one I only picked up on after watching the film;
Meles meles Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 14:30
Temperance, this is for you ma veille chou !
Between us: a beastly pagan and a woolly gnostic , how could we have forgotten this one, eh ?!? : Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere mei, Deus".... and this version is even sung by the superb Tallis Scholars too!
I suddenly remembered this, and as they say, I thought of you... I put it on this afternoon, poured a glass of wine as you recommended, and, well, you know .....
........And apologies and thanks to everyone else for letting me rather dominate this thread with my maudlin musical suggestions over the past few days.
I'll be more up beat tomorrow... maybe Bizet's Carmen Suite, eh? how about that?!
Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 15:59
MM, what excellent taste in music you have - it *exactly* coincides with mine!
Because your "maudlin" suggestions have been so good, I shall forgive you for calling me a woolly old cabbage.
Do stop apologising - you're worse than I am. You have brought the thread to life. Nowt wrong with a spot of the old maudlin now and again.
Shall I go and sweep up some more leaves, or shall I go and witter some more on the Elizabeth I thread?
PS Yes, Henry VIII was a good composer. I had always thought he was just a useless show-off with his music - just that everyone was too scared to say: "That really is utter crap, Henry!" - but there was a programme on Radio 3 or 4 ages ago which examined his compositions. The experts all said he was actually pretty good. He composed a whole Mass apparently which, sadly, has been lost.
PPS Trike - got to have the dancing to go with the Prokofiev:
I believe ballet as we know it today is supposed to have started at the court of Louis XIV (another terrible show-off), but I think we get something of the feel of the stately court dances of the 16th century from this "Dance of Knights" - the posture - the superb arrogance! I'm going to have a little dance round my sitting room, then back to the leaves before the light goes.
PPPS Elgar: Cello Concerto in E minor. Still sends shivers down my spine. Will look for a youtube. Back in a sec.
Last edited by Temperance on Sun 11 Nov 2012, 18:02; edited 1 time in total
Temperance Virgo Vestalis Maxima
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 16:07
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 16:38
Ah... well now since you've mentioned Jacqueline du Pre, and seeing that this is basically an historical thread, we really should mention Jacqueline's one-off classic performance in an english wood accompanied by a wild nightingale...
But....
But I can't find any online copies of that recording! Which surprises me .... Perhaps someone like Trike will do better........... It is a classic recording after all ... and it's classical music too.
And it was beautiful!
normanhurst Triumviratus Rei Publicae Constituendae
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 17:16
Oh Temps… tiz all so very ‘you’ to bemoan my inclusion of the Swan Lake ‘cygnet line’ as a dreadful reminder of the pain you endured at ballet lessons… but I too danced a bit, as one of the knights there, and I can’t begin to tell you of the excroriating pain I had to put up with as a result of an ill fitting dance belt… talk about getting a quart in a pint pot, you may have suffered webbed feet in Swan Lake… but nothing compared to my nutcracker suit.
Temperance Virgo Vestalis Maxima
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 18:04
Sorry, Norm!
normanhurst Triumviratus Rei Publicae Constituendae
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 18:45
oh gosh Temps... you were there to see me.
I found out later my 'dance belt' was forged from an old morris 1000 hubcap... tiz no wonder I suffered.
nordmann Nobiles Barbariæ
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Sun 11 Nov 2012, 21:19
In 1968 all classical music was banned in China as bourgeois and decadent during the so-called Cultural Revolution. It was to be 1977 before another regime change finally allowed that part of the world to hear genius at work again and - as fate would have it - the day of the official concert in Beijing to welcome sanity back coincided with the 150th anniversary of Beethoven's death. It was a no-brainer therefore to decide on which piece of music should top the bill.
This isn't the concert in question - it's Leonard Bernstein conducting the Vienna Philharmonic. The VP since 1933 has only ever used guest conductors. You can see and hear from this clip why Bernstein was always welcome back.
normanhurst Triumviratus Rei Publicae Constituendae
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Mon 12 Nov 2012, 00:11
A number of years ago on a particular hot sticky and clammy summer’s day, and while on a pilgrimage to Walsingham in Norfolk, I ventured inside the Russian Orthodox Church on first seeing from the door it appeared empty. It’s not a notably grand church, but what pulled me inside was it was so quiet, calming and cool. I quietly found a comfy seat and enjoyed the cool air until suddenly and without any warning Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor boomed out… it scared the living crap out of me as I realised I was beginning to fall asleep enjoying the cool tranquillity.
I’d always enjoyed Bach’s Fugue but this was different being more like an assault on the eardrums, whoever was playing wasn’t holding anything back, the sound vibrated right through my body reaching parts I never knew I had like a giant ‘jack hammer’… god it was wonderful, I’d never experienced anything like it before nor since, my one remaining brain cell resonated inside my scull like an itch that’s forever reoccurring but I’d never been able to get at. Well it rattled around for ages with my pleading the music not to stop; such was the affect on me.
After it did end and now completely reinvigorated I got up to move around and enjoy the interior, the organist spotted me and apologised profusely, he said when there’s no one around he likes to indulge himself with a few of his favourite pieces. What a joy to listen to a few more from his personal choice, and an experience I shall never forget. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DquxPwY91MI&feature=related
Subject: Re: Classical Music Mon 12 Nov 2012, 01:01
Taunder naken - arranged by Henry, basically adding an (old-fashioned even then) florid tenor part to the existing tune. So said the incomparable David Munrow.
This one also has links to Anne Boleyn - frequently the lyrics are claimed to be hers, but I'm not convinced.
Subject: Re: Classical Music Mon 12 Nov 2012, 11:15
Meles meles wrote:
Ah... well now since you've mentioned Jacqueline du Pre, and seeing that this is basically an historical thread, we really should mention Jacqueline's one-off classic performance in an english wood accompanied by a wild nightingale...
But....
But I can't find any online copies of that recording! Which surprises me .... Perhaps someone like Trike will do better........... It is a classic recording after all ... and it's classical music too.
And it was beautiful!
No luck finding this either, Meles.
Gil's selection of Purcell's funeral music for Queen Mary always reminds me of A Clockwork Orange, here are two pieces by Rossini which also feature in that film;
ferval Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Mon 12 Nov 2012, 12:11
Not du Pres but definitely historical as is this
Meles meles Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Mon 12 Nov 2012, 12:22
Ah yes, Trike, Signor Rossini.... the master of the very long sustained crescendo (second only probably to Ravel with his Bolero).
I love all his operatic overtures, including William Tell, but it's such a pity that Tell has now become so hackneyed. I just can't get 'The Lone Ranger' out of my mind whenever I hear it and it just makes me cringe. So although I'll happiliy listen to the overture's opening: the Andante, Allegro and Andantino... I always have to stop it just as it shifts to the Allegro vivace.
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Mon 12 Nov 2012, 21:59
Here's some more of Henry's stuff (Purcell, that is) which also has ... painful ... connotations when I remember where it was used in the 90s.
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Mon 12 Nov 2012, 22:55
Ravel's Bolero - My Mum always said that one of the best dance pieces she ever saw on film was George Raft and Carole Lombard dancing the Bolero. It can be found on Youtube, and is fantasic as well as being slightly erotic for the 1930's.
Priscilla Censura
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Subject: Re: Classical Music Tue 13 Nov 2012, 00:00
The over use of many classical pieces to 'colour' a TV presentation is galling. MM mentions the William Tell overture. Classical muisc used thus is a daily occurence now. The prog on Hitler's Charisma, tonight was larded with it. So much so that I began to cringe then laugh at the choices .... 'Night on a bare mountains' for the SS cult place in Bavaria was inevitable.
Association sadly intrudes - film makers on the other hand have music written for the production...... though on TV a really good documentary production should not need music, should it?
Home 
, how could we have forgotten this one, eh ?!? : Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere mei, Deus".... and this version is even sung by the superb Tallis Scholars too! 