Have You Ever Experienced Radical Changes in Your Musical Taste?

[Karl Henning]

I read an interview with Ian Anderson who said, when he does listen to music for fun, it's usually classical.

Danged elitist!  😎
I'm a big fan of Tull, as well.

[Opus131]

The link between prog rock and classical is a strong and interesting one (one could probably write a large article or even a book exploring it). Not long ago I read an interview with Ian Anderson who said, when he does listen to music for fun, it's usually classical.

I wish it was larger. Would have loved to get more things like this: 

[AnotherSpin]

Rock music has greatly influenced my interest in serious music. When back in 70s I listened to albums by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Pictures at an Exhibition, Trilogy, Brain Salad Surgery), The Moody Blues (Days of Future Passed, etc.), Yes (Fragile, intro on the first live album), Deep Purple (Concerto for Group and Orchestra), Rick Wakeman (Journey to the Centre of the Earth, etc.), Lisztomania soundtrack, Jethro Tull, Electric Light Orchestra, Gentle Giant, Renaissance, Focus, New Trolls, and many, many others, I couldn't help but think that if my shaggy-haired idols in jeans are interested in serious music, I have no choice but to follow their example.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

I wish it was larger. Would have loved to get more things like this:

Since Tull has been mentioned - this is probably my favorite rock spin on a classical piece (although it sounds more like jazz):

 

[Karl Henning]

Since Tull has been mentioned - this is probably my favorite rock spin on a classical piece (although it sounds more like jazz):

 

Great fun!
And since 'tis the Season: Santa, pass us that bottle  will ya?

[Bachtoven]

I'm not sure it's "radical," but I'm losing interest in classical guitar, both as an instrument I play and music I listen to. Part of the problem with playing it is I have arthritis in my left thumb joint, which makes it very painful to play. (It doesn't hurt when I play the piano.) I'm also tired of the lack of sustain and the incredibly awkward/contorted fingering that one usually has to use. Then there's the limited repertoire compared to the piano. I think most baroque transcriptions (and transcriptions in general) sound better on the original instruments, the classical and romantic era original works are usually harmonically simple/unadventurous, which leaves contemporary music. Granted, Henze, Tippett, Lindberg, Britten, Maw and a few other major composers have written fine works for the instrument, but so many guitarist-composers tend to use comfortable patterns and seemingly don't know how or don't have the imagination to develop ideas.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I'm not sure it's "radical," but I'm losing interest in classical guitar, both as an instrument I play and music I listen to. Part of the problem with playing it is I have arthritis in my left thumb joint, which makes it very painful to play. (It doesn't hurt when I play the piano.) I'm also tired of the lack of sustain and the incredibly awkward/contorted fingering that one usually has to use. Then there's the limited repertoire compared to the piano. I think most baroque transcriptions (and transcriptions in general) sound better on the original instruments, the classical and romantic era original works are usually harmonically simple/unadventurous, which leaves contemporary music. Granted, Henze, Tippett, Lindberg, Britten, Maw and a few other major composers have written fine works for the instrument, but so many guitarist-composers tend to use comfortable patterns and seemingly don't know how or don't have the imagination to develop ideas.

I'm so very sorry to hear about your arthritis. I don't often listen to classical guitar...there are some players and composers that I like like Julian Bream.  I should listen to more of it.  I would be happy for recs.

And I would like to read more about your thoughts about original instruments...lute(?) or others??

Best wishes,

PD

[Bachtoven]

I'm so very sorry to hear about your arthritis. I don't often listen to classical guitar...there are some players and composers that I like like Julian Bream.  I should listen to more of it.  I would be happy for recs.
And I would like to read more about your thoughts about original instruments...lute(?) or others??

Best wishes,

PD

Thank you. Well, Julian Bream is at the top of my list for older generation players, along with John Williams. For younger players, try Jorge Caballero, Marko Topchii, Johan Smith, and Raphaël Feuillâtre. All have jaw-dropping technique and play with great intensity/passion/beauty.  If you use any streaming platforms, all of those guitarists' recordings should be available.


I love music for lutes and theorbos! Renaissance composers made greater use of counterpoint than did those in later eras. I sometimes wish they had the richer tone of a modern guitar, though. (There are some guitarists who play 10 and 11 string guitars, which is probably the best of both worlds.)

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Thank you. Well, Julian Bream is at the top of my list for older generation players, along with John Williams. For younger players, try Jorge Caballero, Marko Topchii, Johan Smith, and Raphaël Feuillâtre. All have jaw-dropping technique and play with great intensity/passion/beauty.  If you use any streaming platforms, all of those guitarists' recordings should be available.


I love music for lutes and theorbos! Renaissance composers made greater use of counterpoint than did those in later eras. I sometimes wish they had the richer tone of a modern guitar, though. (There are some guitarists who play 10 and 11 string guitars, which is probably the best of both worlds.)

Thanks for the suggestions!  I've jotted them down [Hopefully I'll remember where I've put the list!  ].  Those names are all new to me.  Of contemporary musicians, the only one who I can think of is Peter Blanchette.  Have you heard any of his recordings?  https://archguitar.com/

PD

[Bachtoven]

Thanks for the suggestions!  I've jotted them down [Hopefully I'll remember where I've put the list!  ].  Those names are all new to me.  Of contemporary musicians, the only one who I can think of is Peter Blanchette.  Have you heard any of his recordings?  https://archguitar.com/

PD

Yes, he's very good. Goran Sollscher has a wonderful recording on DG titled "11 String Baroque"--I strongly recommend it. Another fine 11-string player is Paulo Martelli. He has two wonderful Bach recordings.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Nice!    And thanks for the other names.

PD