How a music forum can be a home, in times of need.

[Harry]

I am not a long standing member of GMG, but from day one, after a few hiccups, I felt at home here at GMG, to read everything about lots of composers, and to post what is keeping me busy for almost 35 years, classical music, in all its guises. And what I never thought possible some guys here convinced me to listen to opera. If you would have said that to me a year ago, I would have directed you to the nut house, but there you go, this music lover has Wagner/Verdi/Puccini on his diet list now, and that for me is the great wonder of GMG. I have been at several music forums, but never stayed for long, to learn, that respect for each other, is for the most time a fixed part of the membership of GMG. And what's more, I met a incredible bunch of good friends here, despite some fights, which I have forgotten, most of them anyway, and what a great privilege it is, to have something so precious as GMG.
That it may have a long lifespan. And yes, the Mods are doing a great job, better as on any forum I have been.
So thanks Rob for allowing us this forum to enjoy, and the Mods for keeping the horizon clear.
I had to get this off my mind, so indulge me!

[mn dave]

[FideLeo]

Kitty is cute.   

Or is that a baby leopard? 

[Harry]

I have a animal like that running around the house, he always comes by for a few hugs, and than leaves again, nodding affirmingly that all is well.

[Harry]

Fine avatar by the way, keep that up for a while.....

[mn dave]

Fine avatar by the way, keep that up for a while.....

I will do my best to keep my other personalities from changing it.

[bhodges]

Harry, I echo your sentiments, and think GMG is generally a terrific place.  And a huge thank-you to Rob, its creator, for making a site that looks good and offers "functionality" (computer jargon for "more features"). 

Appreciate your kind words, too, on the moderation.  Speaking just for myself, it's not always easy, but worth the small amount of time to keep this a smooth-running and fun place to be.

--Bruce

[mahler10th]

  Well, I haven't posted much in GMG, but as from today I started posting here more because the Classial Music coverage is Universally diverse.  There is talk of composers I have never heard before, composers I HAVE heard before, there are Sallinen lovers, Mahler lovers, Havergal lovers, Bach lovers, Byrd lovers, Gorecki lovers - every end of the CM spectrum is found here.  That is why I have found it worthwhile to take out a subscription, no matter what its status - something this good is worth paying for. 
I cannot walk down Buchanan Street here in Glasgow and have an interesting discussion about a composer like Schnittke or consult somone on the nature of how Germans like their Asparagus.  But I can on GMG, no matter where I am, if I take my laptop.  Here is a community on tap every day from all over the World, anywhere in the World, interested in exactly the same thing as I am, and any one of us can put our views across in whatever way we deem appropriate. 

Yes, I too am glad of this forum in particular, and I hope to become a solid and regular resident through the months and years ahead.  I can learn and share here, from both the deeply experienced and classical newcomer...in fact, I am now going to play Gorecki's "Amen" to glorify within myself what I have said here!!

Shared sentiment - much to be grateful for a forum like this.  A long way from buying my first classical LP and knowing next to nothing about it...(Holst - The Planets - Halle Orchestra conducted by James Loughran on the MFP label, 1982ish!)

[Harry]

Well, I haven't posted much in GMG, but as from today I started posting here more because the Classial Music coverage is Universally diverse.  There is talk of composers I have never heard before, composers I HAVE heard before, there are Sallinen lovers, Mahler lovers, Havergal lovers, Bach lovers, Byrd lovers, Gorecki lovers - every end of the CM spectrum is found here.  That is why I have found it worthwhile to take out a subscription, no matter what its status - something this good is worth paying for. 
I cannot walk down Buchanan Street here in Glasgow and have an interesting discussion about a composer like Schnittke or consult somone on the nature of how Germans like their Asparagus.  But I can on GMG, no matter where I am, if I take my laptop.  Here is a community on tap every day from all over the World, anywhere in the World, interested in exactly the same thing as I am, and any one of us can put our views across in whatever way we deem appropriate. 

Yes, I too am glad of this forum in particular, and I hope to become a solid and regular resident through the months and years ahead.  I can learn and share here, from both the deeply experienced and classical newcomer...in fact, I am now going to play Gorecki's "Amen" to glorify within myself what I have said here!!

Shared sentiment - much to be grateful for a forum like this.  A long way from buying my first classical LP and knowing next to nothing about it...(Holst - The Planets - Halle Orchestra conducted by James Loughran on the MFP label, 1982ish!)

Thanks for sharing John!
We will make you feel comfortable!    

[bhodges]

I cannot walk down Buchanan Street here in Glasgow and have an interesting discussion about a composer like Schnittke or consult somone on the nature of how Germans like their Asparagus.  But I can on GMG, no matter where I am, if I take my laptop. 

This is one of the reasons I love the Internet! 

--Bruce

[mn dave]

This is one of the reasons I love the Internet! 

--Bruce

Indeed.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

I found this site almost a year ago, hunting for music by Karlowicz which, as it happened, Maciek had uploaded for the delectation of GMG members... I joined to express my gratitude for the Violin Concerto I now could listen to. To my astonishment someone I had lost sight of was a regular here (Christo), so that friendship was renewed. But now I have gained so many more musical friends. I learn a lot here and it's fun to share your enthusiasm and knowledge with others.

GMG has become part of my life.

[Sergeant Rock]

I will do my best to keep my other personalities from changing it.

If it lasts until midnight, you'll have set a new record 

Sarge

[Sergeant Rock]

I cannot walk down Buchanan Street here in Glasgow and have an interesting discussion about a composer like Schnittke or consult somone on the nature of how Germans like their Asparagus. 

Yes, you've come to the right place.

Sarge

[greg]

GMG is like the first thing I look forward to when I come home 
there's always something to talk about, and as Mahler10th said, you meet people with similar rare interests, which is VERY uncommon in real life. VERY.

especially when you have music on the mind all the time, more than anything else, it helps when there's actually a way to discuss what you're thinking with someone, and have them be interested.

[SonicMan46]

Oh, Harry - you make us blush  - thanks for the kind & warm sentiments!

My 'bunnies' send their love & hugs!  Dave 

[Brian]

I too have made friends here, Harry, as you know. I hope you will be here for a very long time and we will all continue to make listen to beautiful music together! 

[Renfield]

I too have made friends here, Harry, as you know. I hope you will be here for a very long time and we will all continue to make listen to beautiful music together! 

You know, in a metaphorical plane, you could well say good discussion is like making music, in a way...

I know I think so, and for all my abrupt disappearances, quiet spells and not-so-quiet spells where I generally talk a lot about Mahler's 9th, Brahms or Karajan, I adore this forum because of it; long may it last.

(Although if the pseudo-philosophical threads could all be filtered out so I can skip them, it might be even better. Kidding now, don't shoot!)

[scarpia]

This may shock you, but I do not visit this or any internet site to experience a warm fuzzy feeling.

[Thom]

Very well put, Harry, thank you. I feel the same. I have learned a lot here and I value the opinions and advice of the fellow members. It has brought me many new wonderful music experiences.

Thom