Classical Music for Meditation?

Started by Solitary Wanderer, August 30, 2007, 02:25:23 PM

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Solitary Wanderer

August 30, 2007, 02:25:23 PM
I'm looking for classical music recommendations for meditation [for want of a better word].

By its very nature Classical music tends to be dynamic in its range and structure, so finding titles that have an even, consistant mood is difficult.

I tried Faures Requiem last night which was quite successful, although it still had some louder passages and ideally I would prefer all-instrumental music.

So, suggestions for music that will evoke a quite, contented calm?

:)

'I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass, and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.' ~ Emily Bronte

George

#1
August 30, 2007, 03:00:49 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on August 30, 2007, 02:25:23 PM
I'm looking for classical music recommendations for meditation [for want of a better word].

By its very nature Classical music tends to be dynamic in its range and structure, so finding titles that have an even, consistant mood is difficult.

I tried Faures Requiem last night which was quite successful, although it still had some louder passages and ideally I would prefer all-instrumental music.

So, suggestions for music that will evoke a quite, contented calm?

:)



Satie, Bach lute suites, Feild's Nocturnes, Grieg Lyric pieces, Part's Fratres.  :-\

Solitary Wanderer

#2
August 30, 2007, 03:07:40 PM
Quote from: George on August 30, 2007, 03:00:49 PM
Satie, Bach lute suites, Feild's Nocturnes, Grieg Lyric pieces, Part's Fratres.  :-\

Yes, I have some of Saties piano music which is excellent but there are loud parts, but that is a good suggestion and I'll try it again.

I also have the Bach lute suites but these can be a bit 'busy' for silent reflection.

I'm interested to explore Part; he may be the ticket :)

Don't have anything by Field and I'm not sure about the Grieg Lyric pieces.

:)
'I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass, and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.' ~ Emily Bronte

orbital

#3
August 30, 2007, 03:14:11 PM
Part's Passio might work with its limited dynamic range, but I'd think that vocals and especially lyrics/words might be distracting.

I'd suggest some Philip Glass, Metamorphosis with its hypnotic quality might work.

Solitary Wanderer

#4
August 30, 2007, 03:20:08 PM
Quote from: orbital on August 30, 2007, 03:14:11 PM
Part's Passio might work with its limited dynamic range, but I'd think that vocals and especially lyrics/words might be distracting.

I'd suggest some Philip Glass, Metamorphosis with its hypnotic quality might work.

I have some Glass and its definately not music for meditation! ;) The albums I have are very loud, busy and repetitive; My wife comes close to mass murder when I play it ;D But I'm not familiar with Metamorphosis so that may be worth investigating thanks :)
'I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass, and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.' ~ Emily Bronte

SonicMan46

#5
August 30, 2007, 03:27:46 PM
SW - I'd second the guitar and/or lute recordings of Bach (just posted in the 'listening thread' on a pleasant recording) - might want to 'check out' the Renaissance Period, such as the English lute recordings - Paul O'Dette has some outstanding releases.

Not sure if you want instrumental or vocal (both?), but medieval vocal singing can be quite relaxing depending on the selection - with a little more direction, some specific recommendations can be made - there is plenty of 'relaxing' classic music out there - Dave  :)

Choo Choo

#6
August 30, 2007, 03:31:09 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on August 30, 2007, 03:07:40 PM
I'm interested to explore Part

Top of my list would be this recording of Spiegel im Spiegel with its idea of reflected mirrors.  (There are samples on the linked page.)

Solitary Wanderer

#7
August 30, 2007, 03:54:20 PM
Quote from: Choo Choo on August 30, 2007, 03:31:09 PM
Top of my list would be this recording of Spiegel im Spiegel with its idea of reflected mirrors.  (There are samples on the linked page.)



Yes, loved the samples thanks. Good 'ol ECM label eh? I have many of their titles and Ketil Borjstad and David Darling have done a few together which would fit my specifications.

I will start purchasing some Arvo Part  :)
'I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass, and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.' ~ Emily Bronte

George

#8
August 30, 2007, 03:58:22 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on August 30, 2007, 03:54:20 PM
Yes, loved the samples thanks. Good 'ol ECM label eh? I have many of their titles and Ketil Borjstad and David Darling have done a few together which would fit my specifications.

I will start purchasing some Arvo Part  :)

Are you literally using these for meditation or do you just want some relaxing music? 

Solitary Wanderer

#9
August 30, 2007, 04:01:24 PM Last Edit: August 30, 2007, 04:11:06 PM by Solitary Wanderer
Quote from: George on August 30, 2007, 03:58:22 PM
Are you literally using these for meditation or do you just want some relaxing music? 

Sort of what I call a 'music meditation'. I like very quiet, calm music before sleep. I'm not sitting in a lotus position on the floor or chanting 'Ohm' or anything ;) ;D
'I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass, and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.' ~ Emily Bronte

Novi

#10
August 30, 2007, 04:02:14 PM
Gregorian chants?
Durch alle Töne tönet
Im bunten Erdentraum
Ein leiser Ton gezogen
Für den der heimlich lauschet.

George

#11
August 30, 2007, 04:02:55 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on August 30, 2007, 04:01:24 PM
Sort of what I call a 'music mediataion'. I like very quiet, calm music before sleep. I'm not sitting in a lotus position on the floor or chanting 'Ohm' or anything ;) ;D

I like the Nocturnes (Chopin) for that purpose.  :)

Solitary Wanderer

#12
August 30, 2007, 04:05:40 PM
Quote from: George on August 30, 2007, 04:02:55 PM
I like the Nocturnes (Chopin) for that purpose.  :)

I have the Chopin Etudes which are played very fast. The Nocturnes could be good thanks :)
'I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass, and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.' ~ Emily Bronte

SonicMan46

#13
August 30, 2007, 04:07:44 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on August 30, 2007, 04:01:24 PM
Sort of what I call a 'music mediataion'. I like very quiet, calm music before sleep. I'm not sitting in a lotus position on the floor or chanting 'Ohm' or anything ;) ;D

SW - LOL  ;D - remember that the Goldberg Variations were written for an 'insomniac' Count!  ;) :D

Solitary Wanderer

#14
August 30, 2007, 04:22:21 PM
Quote from: orbital on August 30, 2007, 03:14:11 PM
I'd suggest some Philip Glass, Metamorphosis with its hypnotic quality might work.

Just listened to some samples of this Solo Piano album and its excellent. I have added it to my wishlist. Great recommendation thanks :)
'I lingered round them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass, and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.' ~ Emily Bronte

Norbeone

#15
August 30, 2007, 05:01:38 PM
Quote from: SonicMan on August 30, 2007, 04:07:44 PM
SW - LOL  ;D - remember that the Goldberg Variations were written for an 'insomniac' Count!  ;) :D

Though, they would have served to keep the count entertained rather than to lullaby him off to sleep. (That is if the story is even true)

longears

#16
August 30, 2007, 05:21:10 PM
Cage's 4'33"

George

#17
August 30, 2007, 05:39:25 PM
Quote from: longears on August 30, 2007, 05:21:10 PM
Cage's 4'33"

That's what I'm talking about.  0:)

Or this:



beclemund

#18
August 30, 2007, 06:41:10 PM
Riley's In C or Reich's Drumming... both have repetition like a mantra so would seem like good choices for meditation. But it seems like there is a general consensus here judging by the other suggestions that minimalism in general makes for great meditation.

My problem with any of it is that I get caught up in the music at times particularly when listening to Part, that my meditation is broken.
"A guilty conscience needs to confess. A work of art is a confession." -- Albert Camus

Xenophanes

#19
August 30, 2007, 07:41:13 PM
There are all kinds of CDs for quiet listening, relaxation and meditation on Naxos, eloquence and other labels, not to mention Gregorian chant.

Here are some nice compilations:

Meditation. Decca eloquence 4674142

Day Dreams. Orchestra. DG eloquence 469 639-2

Berceuse. Orchestra. Naxos 8.553843

Andante Cantabile. Cello and orchestra. Naxos 8.555764 

Romantic Music for Cello and Orchestra; Vytautus Sondeckis, cello.  Naxos 8.554381

Italian Oboe Concertos, Vol. 1 (Vol. 2 is more sprightly.)  Naxos 8.553433

Music for Viola da Gamba by Le Sieur de Machy, Scaffrath, Abel and Mozart with Laura Jeppesen, gamba, with some assistance by Jane Hershey.  The Suites by de Machy are wonderful. Titanic Ti-183



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