ChatGPT on Classical Music

[Mapman]

A few weeks ago, I decided to ask ChatGPT for some music recommendations, to see what it would come up with.

My first prompt was:
I enjoy exploring neglected classical music. I've recently enjoyed Dohnanyi's 1st symphony, Hans Huber's 2nd symphony, Glazunov's 3rd symphony, Stanford's 6th symphony, and Langgaard's 1st symphony. Do you have any recommendations of other works I may enjoy?

Certainly! Here are some other lesser-known works of classical music that you may enjoy exploring:

    Sibelius' 5th Symphony
    Nielsen's 5th Symphony
    R. Strauss' Alpine Symphony
    Holst's The Planets
    Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra
    Mahler's Symphony No. 10
    Schumann's Symphony No. 3 "Rhenish"
    Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathétique"
    Bruckner's Symphony No. 7
    Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5.

These works are all by well-regarded composers and are considered to be some of their more unique and captivating works. Enjoy your exploration!

Those are all excellent recommendations, but not the obscure stuff I was hoping for. Asking for anything more obscure that it could recommend, I got

Certainly! If you're looking for something more obscure, here are a few lesser-known works that you may find interesting:

    Bax's Symphony No. 5
    Korngold's Symphony in F-Sharp Major
    Villa-Lobos' Symphony No. 10
    Martinu's Symphony No. 6
    Britten's Spring Symphony
    Roussel's Symphony No. 3
    Honegger's Symphony No. 5
    Nielsen's Symphony No. 4 "Inextinguishable"
    Holmboe's Symphony No. 7
    Szymanowski's Symphony No. 4 "Symphonie Concertante."

These works are by talented composers, and while they may not be as well-known as others, they are definitely worth exploring and discovering. Enjoy!

That's a pretty impressive list for a language model to come up with!

I later asked for recommendations based on Villa-Lobos String Quartet #17.

If you enjoyed Villa-Lobos' String Quartet #17, you may also enjoy works by other South American and Latin American composers such as:

    Ginastera: String Quartets Nos. 1 and 2
    Piazzolla: Tango-Etudes for Solo Piano
    Brouwer: Guitar Concerto No. 3
    Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez
    Machado: String Quartet No. 1
    Santiago: String Quartet No. 2 "Quarteto Latinoamericano"
    Mignone: String Quartet No. 1
    Revueltas: Sensemayá
    Guastavino: Canciones populares argentinas

Additionally, you may also enjoy works by other composers who explore folk and traditional music in their compositions such as Bartók, Kodály, and Dvořák.

Rodrigo isn't Latin American, but it's an otherwise very interesting list.

[71 dB]

I haven't tried ChatGPT myself, but I have followed the experiences by other people. These "language models" may impress people because they are fairly new thing, but they are also "stupid" and give a lot of wrong information. ChatGPT sucks at math for example. ChatGPT is like a young child who can google anything. It has all the information, but very little understanding of what it all means. That said, AI development is insanely fast and by the end of this decades who knows how "smart" these things are.

[Maestro267]

Those are not bad recs all round!

[71 dB]

Those are not bad recs all round!

What would have been bad? Human beings in general can't make up lists like this unless their are seriously into classical music as people here tend to be. Why does ChatGPT for example think Holst's The Planets is a lesser known work? What? Lesser known perhaps compared to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, but not much! In the training material The Planets has to be presented in context that has fooled ChatGPT. It seems the program can't question or verify information by itself. The user has to point out the mistakes and inconsistencies to it. ChatGPT must have "seen" Rodrigo mentioned together with South-American/Latin American composers and it just can't verify the nationality of the composer. How well does it even know what South-American/Latin American means? These things can be confusing for us people too. All the cultural and historical influence of Spain and Portugal on the South-American/Latin American countries and what not!

All I am saying is at the moment AI isn't as smart as it seems, but it will become smart as years go by. At the moment it is a young child who looks a prodigy because of the skills in googling stuff up, but no ability to process the information or do source criticism.

[Todd]

Perhaps one can ask ChatGPT what musical qualities the cited works possess that make them interesting.  And then maybe ask for a comparative analysis of two of the selected works. 

[Uhor]

In part thanks to ChatGPT and Soundcloud I found a lot of living composers I didn't know about. I recently made a list with them here

It would have taken a lot of possibly annoying explaining to people in-the-know to obtain all those names.

I've also ask Stable Diffusion to paint "the feeling of Classical Music":

These are Debussy's and Berg's:

[Brian]

I asked all these questions to another chatbot: 2dumb2destroy, an intentionally stupid bot trained on quotes from The Simpsons, Spaceballs, Zoolander, The Naked Gun, and other stupid movies.
https://2dumb2destroy.com/

I love listening to classical music by obscure composers like Weinberg and Kabalevsky. Can you recommend some classical music for me to try?

Sure. Here's some music by Weinberg and Kabalevsky.

What is your favorite instrument in the orchestra?

The triangle. I'm pretty good at playing it.

What music has the best triangle solo?

I'm gonna say Limp Bizkit.

Who is the best interpreter of Beethoven's music?

The one that wins the Super Bowl.

What classical music should I listen to?

The first movement of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, it really gets me going when I chase my tail.

If I like Bela Bartok's piano music, what other music will I like?

You'll love the music of my good friend Lord Voldemort.

Who should be the next conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic?

How about that guy who played the trumpet on Star Trek?

[Mapman]

All I am saying is at the moment AI isn't as smart as it seems, but it will become smart as years go by. At the moment it is a young child who looks a prodigy because of the skills in googling stuff up, but no ability to process the information or do source criticism.

I mostly agree with that statement. I mostly gave examples where ChatGPT did well. I asked ChatGPT for music written by scientists, like Herschel.

Yes, there are many great pieces of music written by scientists. Here are some examples:

    "The Musical Offering" by Johann Sebastian Bach - Bach was not only a prolific composer but also an accomplished mathematician and astronomer. "The Musical Offering" is a collection of canons and fugues based on a theme provided by Frederick the Great, who was also a musician and a patron of the arts.

    "The Planets" by Gustav Holst - Holst was a composer and teacher who had a keen interest in astrology and astronomy. "The Planets" is a suite of seven movements, each representing a planet in the solar system.

    "Symphony No. 3" by Alexander Borodin - Borodin was a chemist and a composer. His third symphony, also known as the "Polovtsian Dances," is based on themes from his opera "Prince Igor."

    "A Musical Joke" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Mozart was not a scientist per se, but he was known for his keen interest in mathematics and astronomy. "A Musical Joke" is a humorous composition that parodies the rules of classical music composition.

    "Sonata in D major for Two Pianos" by Dmitri Mendeleev - Mendeleev was a chemist and the creator of the periodic table. He also wrote music, including this sonata for two pianos, which he dedicated to his wife.

These are just a few examples of great music written by scientists. There are many more out there, and exploring them can be a fascinating way to learn about the intersection of art and science.

About half of this is wrong! This shows the biggest problems with this technology as it exists now: it produces results that look plausible but are not true. I can't easily find anything about Bach's astronomy or Mendeleev's 2 piano sonata. ChatGPT also confused Borodin's 3rd symphony with Polovtsian Dances. 

(What ChatGPT in my experience and observations is most useful for is writing and debugging code. Discussion of this would be better suited for The Diner.)

[Mandryka]

This shows the biggest problems with this technology as it exists now: it produces results that look plausible but are not true.

That's what real people do, intelligent or no, everyone makes mistakes!

I just asked it to explain the meaning of Mallarmé's Un coup de dés n'abolira jamais le hazard, and quite frankly, I got back, instantly, a very impressive encyclopaedia article which probably could serve as the structure for an undergraduate essay - you'd have to beef it up with citations, opposing views, a programme for further investigation. But undergraduates will be thrilled to have it!

[Mapman]

Perhaps one can ask ChatGPT what musical qualities the cited works possess that make them interesting.  And then maybe ask for a comparative analysis of two of the selected works. 

Sure! I started a new chat with the same prompt as before. ChatGPT performed better this time (although strangely called Asrael Suk's 2nd symphony without using its name):

Certainly! Here are some suggestions for neglected classical music works that you might enjoy:

    Carl Nielsen - Symphony No. 5, Op. 50
    Franz Berwald - Symphony No. 3 "Sinfonie singulière"
    Josef Suk - Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 27
    Alexander von Zemlinsky - Lyric Symphony, Op. 18
    Ernest Chausson - Symphony in B-flat major, Op. 20
    Joaquín Rodrigo - Concierto de Aranjuez
    Karol Szymanowski - Symphony No. 3 "Song of the Night", Op. 27
    Anton Rubinstein - Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 42
    Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov - Symphony No. 3 in C major, Op. 32
    Alexander Glazunov - Symphony No. 7 in F major, Op. 77

I hope you enjoy exploring these works and discovering new musical gems!

What musical qualities do the cited works possess that make them interesting?

The cited works are interesting for a variety of reasons, but here are some musical qualities that make them stand out:

    Carl Nielsen's Symphony No. 5 is a powerful and dynamic work that features innovative orchestration and harmonic language, as well as a memorable "snare drum" motif that runs throughout the piece.

    Franz Berwald's Symphony No. 3 "Sinfonie singulière" is a colorful and idiosyncratic work that features unexpected modulations and an inventive use of instrumentation, such as a prominent role for the bass clarinet.

    Josef Suk's Symphony No. 2 in C minor is a passionate and lyrical work that draws on Czech folk melodies and features rich orchestration and expressive solo lines.

    Alexander von Zemlinsky's Lyric Symphony is a lush and romantic work that combines symphonic and vocal elements, with a prominent role for the solo soprano and baritone voices.

    Ernest Chausson's Symphony in B-flat major is a sophisticated and complex work that features chromatic harmonies, dense textures, and a sense of melancholy throughout.

    Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez is a beautiful and evocative work for guitar and orchestra that draws on Spanish musical traditions and features virtuosic solo writing and colorful orchestration.

    Karol Szymanowski's Symphony No. 3 "Song of the Night" is a mystical and otherworldly work that draws on Eastern musical traditions and features dense, colorful harmonies and imaginative orchestration.

    Anton Rubinstein's Symphony No. 2 in C major is a grand and expansive work that features sweeping melodies, rich orchestration, and a sense of drama throughout.

    Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Symphony No. 3 in C major is a colorful and virtuosic work that features imaginative orchestration and a sense of adventure throughout.

    Alexander Glazunov's Symphony No. 7 in F major is a graceful and lyrical work that features memorable melodies, colorful orchestration, and a sense of optimism throughout.

Can you provide a comparative analysis of Nielsen's 5th and Suk's Symphony #2?

Certainly! Carl Nielsen's Symphony No. 5 and Josef Suk's Symphony No. 2 are both late-Romantic symphonies written around the turn of the 20th century, but they have different musical styles and approaches.

In terms of form, Nielsen's Symphony No. 5 is in one continuous movement, while Suk's Symphony No. 2 is in the more traditional four-movement form. Nielsen's symphony is marked by a continuous development of ideas, with themes and motifs constantly transformed and developed throughout the piece. Suk's symphony, on the other hand, has a more conventional structure, with clearly defined movements that follow the typical fast-slow-dance-fast pattern of a classical symphony.

Harmonically, both symphonies are adventurous and modern for their time, but Nielsen's Symphony No. 5 is particularly notable for its use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional chord progressions. Suk's Symphony No. 2, while also harmonically complex, is more melodic and lyrical in nature, with memorable themes and colorful orchestration.

Orchestrally, both symphonies are colorful and inventive, but Nielsen's Symphony No. 5 is particularly notable for its use of unusual percussion instruments, such as the snare drum that runs throughout the piece. Suk's Symphony No. 2, on the other hand, features a prominent role for the solo violin and other solo instruments, such as the English horn.

In terms of mood and atmosphere, Nielsen's Symphony No. 5 is dramatic and intense, with a sense of struggle and conflict throughout. Suk's Symphony No. 2, while also passionate and emotional, is more introspective and contemplative in nature, with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy pervading the piece.

Overall, while both Nielsen's Symphony No. 5 and Suk's Symphony No. 2 are important late-Romantic symphonies that showcase the musical innovations of the time, they have different musical styles and approaches that make them distinct works. Nielsen's symphony is marked by its continuous development of ideas, unconventional harmonies, and innovative percussion writing, while Suk's symphony is known for its lyrical melodies, colorful orchestration, and introspective mood.

This is pretty bad. The numbers of movements are wrong, and there's strangely no mention of the motto theme in Asrael.

[Todd]

What musical qualities do the cited works possess that make them interesting?

The output reads like ad copy.

What music has the best triangle solo?

I'm gonna say Limp Bizkit.

https://2dumb2destroy.com/ is now my preferred chatbot. 

[Mapman]

The output reads like ad copy.

I gave ChatGPT your feedback. I don't think its updated response is any better. It mostly expanded its previous statements.

I apologize if my previous explanations sounded like ad copy. Here are some revised explanations of the musical qualities that make the cited works interesting:

    Carl Nielsen's Symphony No. 5 is a striking work that showcases Nielsen's innovative use of harmony and orchestration. The piece is characterized by its energetic rhythms, memorable motifs, and constantly shifting moods, which range from explosive and dramatic to tranquil and introspective.

    Franz Berwald's Symphony No. 3 "Sinfonie singulière" is a unique and imaginative work that defies convention with its unexpected modulations and unconventional use of instruments. The piece features colorful and complex textures, with each instrument adding its own distinct voice to the ensemble.

    Josef Suk's Symphony No. 2 in C minor is a deeply emotional work that draws on the rich musical traditions of Suk's native Czechoslovakia. The piece features lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and virtuosic solo writing, which convey a sense of passion and longing.

    Alexander von Zemlinsky's Lyric Symphony is a richly expressive work that combines symphonic and vocal elements to create a lush, romantic sound. The piece features beautiful solo writing for the soprano and baritone voices, as well as richly textured orchestration that creates a dreamlike atmosphere.

    Ernest Chausson's Symphony in B-flat major is a sophisticated and complex work that showcases Chausson's skill as a composer. The piece features dense harmonies and intricate textures that create a sense of melancholy and introspection, as well as sweeping melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

    Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez is a beautiful and evocative work that draws on the rich musical traditions of Spain. The piece features virtuosic solo writing for the guitar, as well as colorful orchestration that evokes the sights and sounds of the Spanish countryside.

    Karol Szymanowski's Symphony No. 3 "Song of the Night" is a mystical and imaginative work that draws on the composer's interest in Eastern music and philosophy. The piece features dense, colorful harmonies and intricate orchestration, as well as richly expressive solo writing that creates a sense of otherworldly beauty.

    Anton Rubinstein's Symphony No. 2 in C major is a grand and ambitious work that showcases Rubinstein's skill as a composer and orchestrator. The piece features sweeping melodies, lush harmonies, and richly textured orchestration, which combine to create a sense of grandeur and drama.

    Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Symphony No. 3 in C major is a virtuosic and colorful work that showcases Rimsky-Korsakov's skill as an orchestrator. The piece features intricate and imaginative textures, with each instrument adding its own unique voice to the ensemble.

    Alexander Glazunov's Symphony No. 7 in F major is a graceful and elegant work that showcases Glazunov's skill as a melodist. The piece features beautiful and memorable melodies, as well as richly textured orchestration that creates a sense of warmth and optimism.

[Todd]

I gave ChatGPT your feedback. I don't think its updated response is any better. It mostly expanded its previous statements.

The revised ones look like blurbs for Gramophone.

If I may inquire, what does ChatGPT think is the greatest recorded Beethoven piano sonata cycle and why?

[Uhor]

Sometimes you have to insist and go from generic to specific, and yes, it will make stuff up sometimes

Me: please tell more some extrmely rare, really obscure pieces of music from the 18th century with few recordings available

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are some examples of rare and obscure music from the 18th century with few recordings available:

    Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach's Symphony in D minor (Wf I: 3): This symphony, composed by one of Johann Sebastian Bach's sons, is a dark and brooding work that is rarely performed today. It was only rediscovered in the 20th century and has been recorded by a handful of orchestras.

    Johann Melchior Molter's Trumpet Concerto No. 2 in D major: Molter was a German composer who was highly regarded in his day but is now largely forgotten. His Trumpet Concerto No. 2 is a virtuosic work that showcases the instrument's capabilities. There are only a few recordings of this piece available.

  Ignaz Holzbauer's Symphony in D minor: Holzbauer was a contemporary of Mozart and was known for his operas, but he also composed symphonies. His Symphony in D minor is a dramatic and intense work that has been recorded by a few orchestras.

    Franz Benda's Flute Concerto in E minor: Benda was a violinist and composer who was part of the musical court of Frederick the Great of Prussia. His Flute Concerto in E minor is a charming work that features the flute in a prominent role. There are only a handful of recordings of this piece available.

    Johann Gottlieb Naumann's Symphony in B-flat major: Naumann was a German composer who was active in the 18th century. His Symphony in B-flat major is a lively and energetic work that has been recorded by only a few orchestras.

These are just a few examples of rare and obscure pieces of music from the 18th century. While they may not be well-known today, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the musical world of the time.

me: now continue but only with oboe d'amore concertos

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are some examples of oboe d'amore concertos from the 18th century that are rare and obscure, with few recordings available:

    Georg Philipp Telemann's Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in A major: Telemann was a prolific German composer who wrote many concertos for a variety of instruments. His Concerto for Oboe d'amore is a delightful work that showcases the warm, mellow tone of the instrument. There are only a few recordings of this piece available.

    Johann Friedrich Fasch's Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in D major: Fasch was a German composer who was highly regarded in his day but is now largely forgotten. His Concerto for Oboe d'amore is a lively and charming work that has been recorded by a few oboists.

    Johann Christoph Graupner's Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in A major: Graupner was a German composer who was a contemporary of J.S. Bach and Telemann. His Concerto for Oboe d'amore is a lovely and lyrical work that has been recorded by only a handful of oboists.

    Johann Gottlieb Janitsch's Concerto da Camera for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in G minor: Janitsch was a German composer who wrote many chamber works. His Concerto da Camera for Oboe d'amore is a beautiful and expressive work that has been recorded by a few oboists.

  Christoph Schaffrath's Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in G major: Schaffrath was a German composer who was active in the mid-18th century. His Concerto for Oboe d'amore is a charming and graceful work that has been recorded by only a few oboists.

These are just a few examples of rare and obscure oboe d'amore concertos from the 18th century. Despite their relative obscurity, they offer a wealth of musical beauty and interest, and are definitely worth exploring for anyone who loves the sound of the oboe d'amore.

[Brian]

If I may inquire, what does ChatGPT think is the greatest recorded Beethoven piano sonata cycle and why?

Forgive me for using 2dumb2destroy instead:

What is the greatest recorded Beethoven piano sonata cycle, and why?
I love the one by that dashing Polish fellow.

What is the greatest recorded Beethoven piano sonata album, and why?
I love the one where he loses his hearing, becomes a badass and then gets it back.

[Mapman]

The revised ones look like blurbs for Gramophone.

If I may inquire, what does ChatGPT think is the greatest recorded Beethoven piano sonata cycle and why?

I wonder if Gramophone articles were in the training data.

As I expected, ChatGPT didn't want to name the greatest Beethoven piano sonata cycle. It gave a few options.

It's difficult to name a single "greatest" recorded Beethoven piano sonata cycle, as there are many exceptional recordings that offer different interpretations and insights into the composer's music. However, there are a few cycles that are often mentioned as some of the best:

    Artur Schnabel's recordings from the 1930s are widely regarded as groundbreaking and highly influential. Schnabel's performances are marked by their intensity, clarity, and emotional depth, and many consider his interpretations to be definitive.

    Wilhelm Kempff's recordings from the 1960s and 1970s are another highly regarded cycle. Kempff's playing is elegant and poetic, and his interpretations are known for their sensitivity to Beethoven's use of harmony and structure.

    Alfred Brendel's recordings from the 1970s and 1980s are celebrated for their intellectual rigor and attention to detail. Brendel's playing is precise and controlled, and he brings a deep understanding of Beethoven's musical language to his performances.

    Richard Goode's recordings from the 1990s and 2000s have also been widely praised. Goode's playing is warm and expressive, and he brings a sense of spontaneity and improvisation to his interpretations.

Ultimately, the choice of a "greatest" Beethoven piano sonata cycle is a matter of personal preference. Each of these recordings has its own unique strengths and insights to offer, and listeners should explore multiple interpretations to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Beethoven's music.

[Mapman]

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are some examples of oboe d'amore concertos from the 18th century that are rare and obscure, with few recordings available:

    Georg Philipp Telemann's Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in A major: Telemann was a prolific German composer who wrote many concertos for a variety of instruments. His Concerto for Oboe d'amore is a delightful work that showcases the warm, mellow tone of the instrument. There are only a few recordings of this piece available.

    Johann Friedrich Fasch's Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in D major: Fasch was a German composer who was highly regarded in his day but is now largely forgotten. His Concerto for Oboe d'amore is a lively and charming work that has been recorded by a few oboists.

    Johann Christoph Graupner's Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in A major: Graupner was a German composer who was a contemporary of J.S. Bach and Telemann. His Concerto for Oboe d'amore is a lovely and lyrical work that has been recorded by only a handful of oboists.

    Johann Gottlieb Janitsch's Concerto da Camera for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in G minor: Janitsch was a German composer who wrote many chamber works. His Concerto da Camera for Oboe d'amore is a beautiful and expressive work that has been recorded by a few oboists.

  Christoph Schaffrath's Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings, and Continuo in G major: Schaffrath was a German composer who was active in the mid-18th century. His Concerto for Oboe d'amore is a charming and graceful work that has been recorded by only a few oboists.

These are just a few examples of rare and obscure oboe d'amore concertos from the 18th century. Despite their relative obscurity, they offer a wealth of musical beauty and interest, and are definitely worth exploring for anyone who loves the sound of the oboe d'amore.

And it's already making stuff up. The Janitsch work appears to be a Sonata da Camera, not a concerto. I didn't check the rest, but I wouldn't be surprised by additional inaccuracies.

[Todd]

As I expected, ChatGPT didn't want to name the greatest Beethoven piano sonata cycle. It gave a few options.

Oof, it includes Goode.  AI has a long way to go.

What is the greatest recorded Beethoven piano sonata cycle, and why?
I love the one by that dashing Polish fellow.

This is a more satisfactory response. 

[71 dB]

I mostly agree with that statement. I mostly gave examples where ChatGPT did well. I asked ChatGPT for music written by scientists, like Herschel.
:
:
:
About half of this is wrong! This shows the biggest problems with this technology as it exists now: it produces results that look plausible but are not true. I can't easily find anything about Bach's astronomy or Mendeleev's 2 piano sonata. ChatGPT also confused Borodin's 3rd symphony with Polovtsian Dances.

It could have mentioned Elgar, who was interested of chemistry, biology and astronomy and even patented his own soap. 

(What ChatGPT in my experience and observations is most useful for is writing and debugging code. Discussion of this would be better suited for The Diner.)

I have got the some impression from what I have read. Apparently it is impressively good at coding. If it is optimized for that, it could explain why it sucks at other things.

[Florestan]

It's difficult to name a single "greatest" recorded Beethoven piano sonata cycle, as there are many exceptional recordings that offer different interpretations and insights into the composer's music.

...

Ultimately, the choice of a "greatest" Beethoven piano sonata cycle is a matter of personal preference. Each of these recordings has its own unique strengths and insights to offer, and listeners should explore multiple interpretations to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Beethoven's music.

An eminently reasonable answer. AI seems to be better than its reputation.