I've been a member of this board since 2007, I think --- and as such it is my firm and unshakeable conviction that this is THE VERY BEST "classical music" forum on the whole Internet, featuring the most knowledgeable, the nicest and the kindest people I've ever met online.
Three cheers to GMG, to GMGers and to Rob!
I love you all, my virtual friends!
:-* :-* :-*
This is good to know as it's the only classical music forum I've joined and will save me bothering with any others. :D
Quote from: Florestan on April 10, 2021, 08:30:33 AM
I've been a member of this board since 2007, I think --- and as such it is my firm and unshakeable conviction that this is THE VERY BEST "classical music" forum on the whole Internet, featuring the most knowledgeable, the nicest and the kindest people I've ever met online.
Three cheers to GMG, to GMGers and to Rob!
I love you all, my virtual friends!
:-* :-* :-*
I agree with all of this.
Hearty agreement!
Quote from: Florestan on April 10, 2021, 08:30:33 AM
I've been a member of this board since 2007, I think --- and as such it is my firm and unshakeable conviction that this is THE VERY BEST "classical music" forum on the whole Internet, featuring the most knowledgeable, the nicest and the kindest people I've ever met online.
Three cheers to GMG, to GMGers and to Rob!
I love you all, my virtual friends!
:-* :-* :-*
Hear, hear! (though I rarely post these days)
Quote from: petrarch on April 10, 2021, 10:14:36 AM
Hear, hear! (though I rarely post these days)
Cheers,
Paulo!
Quote from: Florestan on April 10, 2021, 08:30:33 AM
I've been a member of this board since 2007, I think --- and as such it is my firm and unshakeable conviction that this is THE VERY BEST "classical music" forum on the whole Internet, featuring the most knowledgeable, the nicest and the kindest people I've ever met online.
Three cheers to GMG, to GMGers and to Rob!
I love you all, my virtual friends!
:-* :-* :-*
I also agree complertely. We are indeed fortunate to have this forum.
Quote from: (: premont :) on April 10, 2021, 10:20:09 AM
I also agree complertely. We are indeed fortunate to have this forum.
Rob is the man! May God keep him and all his loved ones!
Karl Henning predates me: I think I go back to 2003 or so.
I would like to see the archive from before 2007!
Thank you, Florestan! Very nice!
Quote from: Cato on April 10, 2021, 10:44:15 AM
Thank you, Florestan! Very nice!
You're welcome,
Leo! That's my honest and heartfelt impresssion.
Quote from: Florestan on April 10, 2021, 10:48:05 AM
You're welcome, Leo! That's my honest and heartfelt impresssion.
Mine also!
I have not been as loquacious as in the early years. My energies have been hemidemisemidivided in recent times: I should revitalize e.g.
Cato's Grammar Grumble (there is plenty of material to grumble about), or various other things, but by the time I think I have a spare moment...I don't!
To be sure, it seems that various things which I have offered for discussion do not seem to generate much interest: I suppose the membership is quite different now from what it used to be (smaller also (?)), so that could be a factor.
Anyway, GMG remains a major interest for me!
Hi, yes it's nice to be here.
I formerly posted as XB-70 Valkyrie, but I got tired of the militaristic connotations of that avatar--I don't want to nuke anybody, I just think it's a cool airplane. I am guessing that André Le Nôtre was not too much of a d-bag, although his boss certainly was... :laugh: We saw some of his work in France a couple years ago. There is a monument/bust of him in Tulleries Garden in Paris. And I continue to be in awe of the magnificant photography of Eugène Atget, whose photo from St. Cloud (another Le Nôtre garden) is my current avatar.
The 33 1/3 thread and the Pipe organ thread are particular favorites of mine (I try to stay away from the political stuff!)
Cheers,
8)
It's always a good idea to send flowers and bouquets :D. I join the chorus of applause for this, easily the most interesting musical forum on the net. People here are genuine.
I haven't been a member here too long. I think I joined in 2010 (?). Anyway, I had been a member of other forums like Talk Classical (terrible forum that is full of some of the most overly sensitive children I think I've ever encountered and I don't care anything about their game threads) and one smaller one called Bright Cecilia, but I don't think it exists any longer ---- just as well as it took a week to get a response from someone. :D When I joined GMG, it felt like I finally reached a forum that had a plethora of knowledgeable people, but also people that I could actually talk to and them not be offended by everything I wrote. Yes, indeed the good people here have some of the thickest skins of all the classical forums. :) But, more importantly, I've made some great friends that I love to talk music with and that help me in my escape from my little corner of the world. Thanks to all for making this a fun experience and, hopefully, the fun will continue! 8)
My profile says I joined in 2007 but I know I go much further back than that. This is a great forum, it's well moderated, the members are very knowledgeable and I enjoy reading and posting on the threads that matter to me. I also belong to another board but it's prevalence for posting the political has made me step back to the point where I stopped posting for four months. It's also great t have someone like Rob (a fellow Aussie) keeping an overview on what's happening. I'm very happy to be here.
Quote from: André on April 10, 2021, 05:10:57 PM
People here are genuine.
I agree with André. This is certainly my experience here. The GMG Forum has cost me a fortune in CDs - but I wouldn't be without it.
Quote from: Florestan on April 10, 2021, 08:30:33 AM
I've been a member of this board since 2007, I think --- and as such it is my firm and unshakeable conviction that this is THE VERY BEST "classical music" forum on the whole Internet, featuring the most knowledgeable, the nicest and the kindest people I've ever met online.
Three cheers to GMG, to GMGers and to Rob!
I love you all, my virtual friends!
:-* :-* :-*
I am also in the class of 2007 :) My time here is always worthwhile to me.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 10, 2021, 10:44:50 PM
I agree with André. This is certainly my experience here. The GMG Forum has cost me a fortune in CDs - but I wouldn't be without it.
Speaking of CD's, have you checked out... 8)
(https://www.musicaloffering.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/beqdrx04mgl0v7ft8xzk-416x416.jpg)
And 0:) 0:) 0:)
Amen! 0:) 0:) 0:) to
Holden:
Quote from: Holden on April 10, 2021, 10:41:02 PM
My profile says I joined in 2007 but I know I go much further back than that. This is a great forum, it's well moderated, the members are very knowledgeable and I enjoy reading and posting on the threads that matter to me. I also belong to another board but it's prevalence for posting the political has made me step back to the point where I stopped posting for four months. It's also great t have someone like Rob (a fellow Aussie) keeping an overview on what's happening. I'm very happy to be here.
Quote from: Old San Antone on April 10, 2021, 05:45:42 PM
I visit two forums and each has its advantages and defects. GMG doesn't have Bulldog's games, and too many political threads and not enough activity. Talk Classical has Bulldog's games, which are fun, but there's way too many threads about "greatness" - is this composer greater than that composer; is music objectively great or is it all subjective ...
The perfect forum would have no politics but have games; no polls about who's greater - along with the listening and other neutral threads.
Please tell Don (Bulldog) that he is missed on GMG, from ChamberNut (aka Ray).
Quote from: André Le Nôtre on April 10, 2021, 11:49:22 AM
I formerly posted as XB-70 Valkyrie, but I got tired of the militaristic connotations of that avatar
Ohhh! I remember you well! That's one thing that I like a lot about GMG. So many of the regulars have been here for so long that we're all basically pen pals. I'm part of the class of 2007 which means you guys have been reading my drivel since I was in high school ;D The fact that Mirror Image wrote "I haven't been a member here too long" - and then said he has been here for
eleven years!! - well that really shows the staying power of GMG and how long everyone else has stuck around. When you join this board, you're joining for life :)
Quote from: Old San Antone on April 11, 2021, 05:55:28 AM
I will.
I forgot one other thing about GMG I don't like: those cutsy thread titles devoted to composers. It makes it tricky searching and hard to find them, as opposed to simply writing their full name and dates. ::)
OSA,
The composer index, thanks to Schnittkease, is very handy in this instance ;)
https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,26912.0.html (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,26912.0.html)
Quote from: Old San Antone on April 11, 2021, 05:55:28 AM
I will.
I forgot one other thing about GMG I don't like: those cutsy thread titles devoted to composers. It makes it tricky searching and hard to find them, as opposed to simply writing their full name and dates. ::)
Thank you.
That's why I am forever grateful for the composer index. I use it constantly.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 11, 2021, 05:10:30 AM
Please tell Don (Bulldog) that he is missed on GMG, from ChamberNut (aka Ray).
Don visited GMG a few years ago, but his only activity was to arrange lots of polls. When he realized, that the interest of these wasn't that great, he left again.
I came in I would like to say maybe in 2001 or 2002? I was posting on a different forum and I remember that Gurn and Molman told me that they were leaving for GMG, and so I followed them. I would like to say that Herman, Hector, Scarpia and maybe Karl were all in the same boat as well. But it has been so long that my mind is fuzzy on the matter. One of my fondest memories was AnthonyAthletic and I (both of us are big Mahlerites) would mail each other cd burns.
Having been a member of the old defunct GMG already from about 2003 I have been here for a very long time. Never thought of leaving, because this is the most friendly and interesting music forum I know (many thanks to Rob who created this). Being interested first and foremost (but not exclusively) in Early Music, a number of members here have been most helpful in widening my horizon, and this has given me much pleasure. Despite the fact that some members now and then leave the forum, the core has been more or less constant for the many past years, so that we have become very familiar with each others - with all the good effects this brings.
Quote from: DavidW on April 11, 2021, 06:58:24 AM
I came in I would like to say maybe in 2001 or 2002? I was posting on a different forum and I remember that Gurn and Molman told me that they were leaving for GMG, and so I followed them. I would like to say that Herman, Hector, Scarpia and maybe Karl were all in the same boat as well. But it has been so long that my mind is fuzzy on the matter. One of my fondest memories was AnthonyAthletic and I (both of us are big Mahlerites) would mail each other cd burns.
Yup, '02. Molman! Man, it HAS been a while. Remember the Forum was all done up in orange and purple back then. Christ it was ugly! :P The only characters that were here then that I recall today are Uffeviking, Todd, Herman and Sidoze. It was quite a spot, some serious discussion, no politics, no religion, just music. Well, diversification happens.
I was in 3 other fora at the time, and gave them a lot of time and effort, but they gradually all faded away, yet this one remains. Not just for me, I mean it
remains. So clearly, whatever faults it has (and I'm sure there are many) they aren't sufficient to kill it. That says something, even if I couldn't say what, exactly.
8)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 11, 2021, 06:37:02 AM
Thank you.
That's why I am forever grateful for the composer index. I use it constantly.
Me too, and I don't feel guilty about posting in long-dormant composer threads, cos that's the whole point of the composer index. If I've discovered a new composer whose music I like, I want to post about it.
I like this place a lot. The fact that there are so many composer threads, not just the well-known ones, is fantastic. One of the first things I noticed that made me feel like this was a place I'd like was that the Havergal Brian thread was 300+ pages long while the Mozart thread hadn't (still hasn't?) reached 100.
Holy cow Gurn that means that you have been here continuously for 19 years!
I have no idea how long I have been here, left a few times came back, so I have been a constant, well maybe from 2006 already under different names though.
Quote from: DavidW on April 11, 2021, 07:24:12 AM
Holy cow Gurn that means that you have been here continuously for 19 years!
Yeah, sad to say. I don't know what that says about me though. :D
8)
Quote from: "Harry" on April 11, 2021, 07:51:56 AM
I have no idea how long I have been here, left a few times came back, so I have been a constant, well maybe from 2006 already under different names though.
Weren't they all variations on 'Harry' ?
Before André I was Lilas Pastia and before that, Calaf. I don't know the dates, but it's been a while.
A few members have departed to Valhalla. I miss Uffeviking the most. Such a great gal !
Quote from: André on April 11, 2021, 12:08:19 PM
A few members have departed to Valhalla. I miss Uffeviking the most. Such a great gal !
Yeah do you remember our Onslow fan? I think he might have gone by Egmont but I can't say for sure. He was a nice guy.
You mean this Onslow ?
(https://i1.wp.com/tvtonight.com.au/wp-content/uploads/onslow.jpg?w=290&ssl=1)
Can't recall his name. That's quite some time ago...
Quote from: DavidW on April 11, 2021, 12:23:03 PM
Yeah do you remember our Onslow fan? I think he might have gone by Egmont but I can't say for sure. He was a nice guy.
The Late Steve. Died May, 2007. :'( One of my best friends.
Quote from: André on April 11, 2021, 12:08:19 PM
A few members have departed to Valhalla. I miss Uffeviking the most. Such a great gal !
The Late Lis. Died December, 2015. :'( One of my best friends.
Apparently it doesn't pay to be one of my best friends, when I see it put that way. :)
But there is something to be said for being on a forum. You meet some of the nicest people. And the antithesis. :-\
8)
Quote from: André on April 11, 2021, 12:08:19 PM
Weren't they all variations on 'Harry' ?
Before André I was Lilas Pastia and before that, Calaf. I don't know the dates, but it's been a while.
A few members have departed to Valhalla. I miss Uffeviking the most. Such a great gal !
Yes a few were, but also some outlandish ones, like Chen Tao "The true path" :laugh:
But as to the matter of Lis (Uffeviking) it was a great loss when she died, but then again I saw many go from GMG, mostly by death, and many because they were disappointed. I remember them, all of them, for as long as they are remembered, they are not really gone. At this pillar of grief and remembrance I keep myself upright. I realize also when you are at a certain age, and your friends too, deaths are likely to occur more as one wishes, that's the curse of old age.
Quote from: "Harry" on April 11, 2021, 01:26:12 PM
Yes a few were, but also some outlandish ones, like Chen Tao "The true path" :laugh:
But as to the matter of Lis (Uffeviking) it was a great loss when she died, but then again I saw many go from GMG, most by death, and many because they were disappointed. I remember them, all of them, for as long they are remembered they are not really gone. At this pillar of grief and remembrance I keep myself upright. I realize also when you are at a certain age, and your friends too, deaths are likely to occur more as one wishes, that's the curse of old age.
Well said, friend Harry!
😎🤠
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 11, 2021, 01:57:58 PM
Well said, friend Harry!
😎🤠
Yes, very nice!
Do you keep records from the pre-2007 forum as to when people joined? I understand that there is an Internet Archive somewhere...and I don't mean the N.S.A.'s quintillion petabyte system!
Quote from: Cato on April 11, 2021, 02:39:32 PM
Yes, very nice!
Do you keep records from the pre-2007 forum as to when people joined? I understand that there is an Internet Archive somewhere...and I don't mean the N.S.A.'s quintillion petabyte system!
There is something called the Wayback Machine, I used to use it, but don't recall the specifics now. You can probably Google it. The previous iteration of this forum, which existed from 2004(?) to 2007 had a corrupt database problem. Rob had it fixed well enough to allow leafing through it, but eventually the burden it put on him and the server got too much and it was allowed to die in peace ☮️.
🤠😎
Quote from: "Harry" on April 11, 2021, 01:26:12 PM
Yes a few were, but also some outlandish ones, like Chen Tao "The true path" :laugh:
But as to the matter of Lis (Uffeviking) it was a great loss when she died, but then again I saw many go from GMG, most by death, and many because they were disappointed. I remember them, all of them, for as long they are remembered they are not really gone. At this pillar of grief and remembrance I keep myself upright. I realize also when you are at a certain age, and your friends too, deaths are likely to occur more as one wishes, that's the curse of old age.
A friend of mine said that life can be measured by celebrations. First come the 'matches', followed by the 'hatches' and then the 'dispatches' You tell which stage you are at by which one is the most prevalent.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 11, 2021, 02:49:36 PM
There is something called the Wayback Machine, I used to use it, but don't recall the specifics now. You can probably Google it. The previous iteration of this forum, which existed from 2004(?) to 2007 had a corrupt database problem. Rob had it fixed well enough to allow leafing through it, but eventually the burden it put on him and the server got too much and it was allowed to die in peace ☮️.
🤠😎
Yes, that's it! The Wayback Machine, courtesy of
Jay Ward and Associates. Yes, I recall the corrupted database problem.
I tend to engage with forums from a cautious distance these days (folks who knew me on TC will likely understand why I now take a reserved approach), but I do value GMG ahead of others I've spent time on. It is wonderful to have so many people of varying experiences and tastes together in one place for the simple enjoyment of good music. Despite the wide diversity of thought I've encountered here, I've never seen attempts by one to force the rightness of their opinions down the throats of others, nor squabbling over the best this or greatest that. Without a trace of hyperbole I say that GMG is the most laid back, least combative forum I've ever been involved with. Political discussion will of course be the exception that proves the rule, but as far as the "mission" of this place goes, never was there a more pleasant environment in which to explore the great traditions of western music.
So, I will also join in the giving of thanks to everyone who contributes their time and knowledge to make this place what it is.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 11, 2021, 01:57:58 PM
Well said, friend Harry!
😎🤠
Indeed - I've lost my beloved sister-in-law (gosh, nine years ago now) and two very close friends in recent years. I've no idea how long I've been a member here but certainly pre-2007. I don't think that I ever left and returned, although there will have been periods when I have been less active. My wife still thinks it's a 'Cat Group' (which it kind-of is) as in: 'OMG you're not online to your Cat Group AGAIN!!!!'
;D
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2021, 12:01:10 AM
Indeed - I've lost my beloved sister-in-law (gosh, nine years ago now) and two very close friends in recent years. I've no idea how long I've been a member here but certainly pre-2007. I don't think that I ever left and returned, although there will have been periods when I have been less active. My wife still thinks it's a 'Cat Group' (which it kind-of is) as in: 'OMG you're not online to your Cat Group AGAIN!!!!'
;D
See that sort of remarks make me laugh in a boisterous and inappropriate way, (A bit like Sir Percy in Blackadder, still my favourite BBC series) so my wife tells me!
Quote from: "Harry" on April 12, 2021, 01:19:03 AM
See that sort of remarks make me laugh in a boisterous and inappropriate way, (A bit like Sir Percy in Blackadder, still my favourite BBC series) so my wife tells me!
Pleased to hear it Harry!
:)
Quote from: "Harry" on April 12, 2021, 01:19:03 AM
See that sort of remarks make me laugh in a boisterous and inappropriate way, (A bit like Sir Percy in Blackadder, still my favourite BBC series) so my wife tells me!
Hah!
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2021, 12:01:10 AM
Indeed - I've lost my beloved sister-in-law (gosh, nine years ago now) and two very close friends in recent years. I've no idea how long I've been a member here but certainly pre-2007. I don't think that I ever left and returned, although there will have been periods when I have been less active. My wife still thinks it's a 'Cat Group' (which it kind-of is) as in: 'OMG you're not online to your Cat Group AGAIN!!!!'
;D
Hah! :P A cat group. Well, we're certainly a catty bunch (or, at least, can be from time to time). ;D
Quote from: Crudblud on April 11, 2021, 11:36:37 PM
I tend to engage with forums from a cautious distance these days (folks who knew me on TC will likely understand why I now take a reserved approach), but I do value GMG ahead of others I've spent time on. It is wonderful to have so many people of varying experiences and tastes together in one place for the simple enjoyment of good music. Despite the wide diversity of thought I've encountered here, I've never seen attempts by one to force the rightness of their opinions down the throats of others, nor squabbling over the best this or greatest that. Without a trace of hyperbole I say that GMG is the most laid back, least combative forum I've ever been involved with. Political discussion will of course be the exception that proves the rule, but as far as the "mission" of this place goes, never was there a more pleasant environment in which to explore the great traditions of western music.
So, I will also join in the giving of thanks to everyone who contributes their time and knowledge to make this place what it is.
Yes, this has been my experience on GMG as well. Of course, being a member here a bit longer than you have, we have had our fair share of trolls like the "If it's not Mendelssohn, it's garbage" composer wannabe Saul and the highly suspicious, cretin of a man, Sean. Glad to see both of these members are long gone at this point.
I wouldn't mind if Rob "Mozart is Fake" Newman came back for a few weeks. His visits are always entertaining.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2021, 12:01:10 AM
My wife still thinks it's a 'Cat Group' (which it kind-of is) as in: 'OMG you're not online to your Cat Group AGAIN!!!!'
;D
:laugh:
Wait, you mean it's not?! ??? 🙀😾
:)
And, yes, most of the time I feel comfortable and enjoy being on this site. :)
🐈 🎵
Quote from: Brian on April 12, 2021, 07:58:56 AM
I wouldn't mind if Rob "Mozart is Fake" Newman came back for a few weeks. His visits are always entertaining.
Allowing him to enter when I knew him well from other fora and knew the havoc he could cause turned out to be one of the boldest strokes of my moderating career here. I knew you guys would kick his arse for him, to start with, because he is used to bullying academics, not giving and getting with real people. It was the high point of the year! :)
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 12, 2021, 08:59:25 AM
Allowing him to enter when I knew him well from other fora and knew the havoc he could cause turned out to be one of the boldest strokes of my moderating career here. I knew you guys would kick his arse for him, to start with, because he is used to bullying academics, not giving and getting with real people. It was the high point of the year! :)
8)
Hah! 0:)
Unlike most of you here, I've been a member for less than a decade, but I've certainly enjoyed my stay so far.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 12, 2021, 08:59:25 AM
Allowing him to enter when I knew him well from other fora and knew the havoc he could cause turned out to be one of the boldest strokes of my moderating career here. I knew you guys would kick his arse for him, to start with, because he is used to bullying academics, not giving and getting with real people. It was the high point of the year! :)
8)
ROB NEWMAN! Musician and Maniac + !!! "Mozart was a poseur" ??? : sure, let's discuss that!
One of my all-time favorites:
PINK HARP with his
obsessio mentalis about
Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande!!!
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 12, 2021, 07:41:02 AM
Yes, this has been my experience on GMG as well. Of course, being a member here a bit longer than you have, we have had our fair share of trolls like the "If it's not Mendelssohn, it's garbage" composer wannabe Saul and the highly suspicious, cretin of a man, Sean. Glad to see both of these members are long gone at this point.
Of course, everywhere on the internet has trolls, but this place is relatively unspoiled in that regard.
I think we had Saul over on TC. Aside from his really tacky original music, I remember he posted a lot of pro-Israel propaganda. Does that sound like the same guy?
And Saul 'Mendelsohn is the only kosher composer except for me' whatshisname
has weirdears (chris was his name if I recall) ever resurfaced?
My journey into the world of classical music discussion forums began around 2005/2006 on a small forum linked to the Hartford classical music radio station called "Beethoven Radio", the site was Beethoven.com.
This was very early in my interest in classical music. The forum did not have a lot of members, but it was still a great learning experience for me. Here, I met Navneeth (Opus106). From here, I joined Talk Classical talk forum and stayed there until around late 2007, which is when I joined GMG along with a few other Talk Classical folks (Opus106, Keemun/Todd). I joined GMG first as ChamberNut, then rejoined in 2011 with a new account as Brahmsian. Then changed my name back to ChamberNut, and now OrchestralNut. I've had several periods of high and low activity, recently returning to activity in December 2020.
Quote from: Cato on April 12, 2021, 10:48:40 AM
One of my all-time favorites: PINK HARP with his obsessio mentalis about Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande!!!
Yes!
I was also amused by how often Paul Best would change his minds about recordings over an afternoon or sometimes in the same post!
Yes, some of the famous (infamous) characters of GMG over the years:
Rob Newman
Rod Corkin
Pink Harp (Unrepentant Pelleastrian) - which I always seemed to misread as Unrepentant Palestinian :D
Saul
Sean
Teresa
*James
*James - I wonder if he is still around, in some form or another? I remember the James bingo card, which was quite humourous.
Corkin I think was the major Handel fan, who claimed Handel was the greatest composer ever, while Bach was a second or third rate hack. :P
Quote from: Crudblud on April 12, 2021, 11:01:16 AM
Of course, everywhere on the internet has trolls, but this place is relatively unspoiled in that regard.
I think we had Saul over on TC. Aside from his really tacky original music, I remember he posted a lot of pro-Israel propaganda. Does that sound like the same guy?
Without question. And let's not forget the "white horses on black velvet running on the beach in the moonlight" paintings, fine art, dammit, fine art! ::)
8)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 12, 2021, 11:35:46 AM
Yes, some of the famous (infamous) characters of GMG over the years:
Rob Newman
Rod Corkin
Pink Harp (Unrepentant Pelleastrian) - which I always seemed to misread as Unrepentant Palestinian :D
Saul
Sean
Teresa
*James
*James - I wonder if he is still around, in some form or another? I remember the James bingo card, which was quite humourous.
Although if anyone is feeling nostalgic, I bet you could locate Sean on a sex offender registry somewhere
Also seem to have lost a few members to MAGA
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 12, 2021, 11:43:29 AM
Corkin I think was the major Handel fan, who claimed Handel was the greatest composer ever, while Bach was a second or third rate hack. :P
That would be "Handel and Beethoven", the only 2 composers worth even bothering with. To give the devil his due, he initiated me to period instrument performance, for which I shall be forever grateful. Actually, he made me realize that I already had a lot of PI recordings, and they were among my favorites but I didn't really know they were PI or HIP. So despite Rod's issues, and my distaste for Handel notwithstanding, I have a hard time saying bad about him. Other than the 'pompous twit' bit, of course.... :D
8)
Quote from: BWV 1080 on April 12, 2021, 12:13:22 PM
Although if anyone is feeling nostalgic, I bet you could locate Sean on a sex offender registry somewhere
When I wrote CD reviews for MusicWeb International, I told Len that I was moving to Dallas, TX. Len said, "Oh, we used to have a great reviewer in Dallas, Kevin Sutton (http://www.musicweb-international.com/KevinSutton.htm). He hasn't written for us in a while." I thought, oh, I'll look him up and we can hang out and talk about music and discuss CDs and stuff. Then I typed his name into a search engine and found out that he is a registered sex offender who was fired from his last music job for harassing teenage performers :o >:( >:(
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 12, 2021, 11:35:46 AM
Yes, some of the famous (infamous) characters of GMG over the years:
Rob Newman
Rod Corkin
Pink Harp (Unrepentant Pelleastrian) - which I always seemed to misread as Unrepentant Palestinian :D
Saul
Sean
Teresa
*James
*James - I wonder if he is still around, in some form or another? I remember the James bingo card, which was quite humourous.
I think that Teresa still haunts audiophile communities just not this forum.
Quote from: Crudblud on April 12, 2021, 11:01:16 AM
Of course, everywhere on the internet has trolls, but this place is relatively unspoiled in that regard.
I think we had Saul over on TC. Aside from his really tacky original music, I remember he posted a lot of pro-Israel propaganda. Does that sound like the same guy?
That sounds like him, indeed.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 12, 2021, 11:35:46 AM
Yes, some of the famous (infamous) characters of GMG over the years:
Rob Newman
Rod Corkin
Pink Harp (Unrepentant Pelleastrian) - which I always seemed to misread as Unrepentant Palestinian :D
Saul
Sean
Teresa
*James
*James - I wonder if he is still around, in some form or another? I remember the James bingo card, which was quite humourous.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Pink Harp. Saul and Sean I already mentioned of course, but I think I remember Teresa and James was a laugh riot --- mainly because of the ridiculous assertions he would make. If I'm not mistaken, he's the same James that frequented TC about 11-12 years ago and I recall him acting the same way. When I questioned him about he being the same person as the member on TC, he scoffed at the idea (even though their demeanor and attitude were generally the same and they both sported Bach with sunglasses avatars). I think another member that I vaguely remember giving a bit of a problem was Paul. I remember him being particularly vocal about Pettersson and Schnittke, although I could be misremembering.
Quote from: BWV 1080 on April 12, 2021, 11:02:28 AM
And Saul 'Mendelssohn is the only kosher composer except for me' whatshisname
has weirdears (chris was his name if I recall) ever resurfaced?
Saul Dzorelashvili!!! His curious compositions - the product of computer programs which "can you turn into a composer in just 5 lessons!" - are no longer on YouTube for some reason. His channel there is defunct.
Does YouTube delete things which languish after a while without viewers/listeners?
I did find a presence on Last.FM but again, outside of a list of his works, none of the tracks are available.
However, this was still extant!
Melody for the Young !!!
https://www.music-scores.com/sheet-music.php?download=Dzorelashvili_Melody_for_the_Young (https://www.music-scores.com/sheet-music.php?download=Dzorelashvili_Melody_for_the_Young)
Perhaps he surrendered to reality and found employment selling real estate?
WEIRDEARS! Yes, he was a good one!
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 12, 2021, 12:15:25 PM
That would be "Handel and Beethoven", the only 2 composers worth even bothering with. To give the devil his due, he initiated me to period instrument performance, for which I shall be forever grateful. Actually, he made me realize that I already had a lot of PI recordings, and they were among my favorites but I didn't really know they were PI or HIP. So despite Rod's issues, and my distaste for Handel notwithstanding, I have a hard time saying bad about him. Other than the 'pompous twit' bit, of course.... :D
8)
Corkin has his own music forum; I was on it for the briefest of brief moments years ago. It made me question the purpose and value of music fora; thankfully, GMG is WAY MORE USER FRIENDLY 0:). Can't even remember my handel, er handle now. It was very regimented: Corkin rules the roost and he gets upset if he doesn't agree with where a post belongs (often debatable) but what really made me cease and desist was a diatribe of his, of Scarlatti. Corkin sees him as nothing more than sheer ornamentation. His pronouncements are uttered with such certainty and utter conviction it really turned me off and I never looked back.
Quote from: Stürmisch Bewegt on April 12, 2021, 01:02:53 PM
Corkin has his own music forum; I was on it for the briefest of brief moments years ago. It made me question the purpose and value of music fora; thankfully, GMG is WAY MORE USER FRIENDLY 0:). Can't even remember my handel, er handle now. It was very regimented: Corkin rules the roost and he gets upset if he doesn't agree with where a post belongs (often debatable) but what really made me cease and desist was a diatribe of his, of Scarlatti. Corkin sees him as nothing more than sheer ornamentation. His pronouncements are uttered with such certainty and utter conviction it really turned me off and I never looked back.
I see Rodney hasn't changed. I was on a Beethoven forum with him way back at the turn of the millennium, and that was what caught my eye about him. Even then, Handel, Beethoven and AC/DC (!).
Something funny about him and Newman, when Newman first came along with his anti-Mozart spew, Rodney was all about him, introducing him around other fora and supporting all his arguments. But then later, Newman started to imply that Beethoven was a similarly manufactured entity, fronting for anonymous Italian composers, and Rodney just lost his shit! I had to laugh, I must say. :D :D
8)
So I have to ask as I'm mainly curious, what was the deal with Pink Harp? I see that he was obsessed with Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande, which I can identify with as I love this opera as well, but he might have taken the obsession to a whole new level.
Quote from: Crudblud on April 11, 2021, 11:36:37 PM
I tend to engage with forums from a cautious distance these days (folks who knew me on TC will likely understand why I now take a reserved approach), but I do value GMG ahead of others I've spent time on. It is wonderful to have so many people of varying experiences and tastes together in one place for the simple enjoyment of good music. Despite the wide diversity of thought I've encountered here, I've never seen attempts by one to force the rightness of their opinions down the throats of others, nor squabbling over the best this or greatest that. Without a trace of hyperbole I say that GMG is the most laid back, least combative forum I've ever been involved with. Political discussion will of course be the exception that proves the rule, but as far as the "mission" of this place goes, never was there a more pleasant environment in which to explore the great traditions of western music.
So, I will also join in the giving of thanks to everyone who contributes their time and knowledge to make this place what it is.
I would have to strongly second this general sentiment about GMG. It has been a fantastic source of information since I joined in late 2006, knowing nothing about classical music and getting great input from knowledgeable members from day one.
On a musical level, even with a couple of long hiatuses along the way, I have come to really appreciate its wealth even more greatly in the last 2-3 years when I eventually dug deep into British music and now French music. Digging back into decade old composer threads and recordings threads has been an ear opener.
A small part of me regrets not to have gotten into classical music much earlier, that would have allowed me a better (or at least some) understanding of some debates and arguments that occurred years ago (discussions à la M forever and the likes), when my familiarity with the classical world only meant it all went over my head at the time.
I wouldn't change my own musical journey though. It was and still is daily immensely rewarding. This forum is instrumental in it.
On a personal level, I am also grateful for meeting a couple of members in "real" life some years ago and see a few new faces through the recent Zoom meetings. This forum has been a much-needed source of escapism through this last bonkers year. Maybe one day, when it is safe to do so for everyone, we will be in a position to arrange a proper UK GMG meet. EU members also welcome ;) 8)
Also where else would I get any recs on TV series, 70's Rock, Aussie Rules, Speyside whiskies and the world of Uilleann pipes, for starters.
Reminds me, for the to-do list: One day, share a round (or three) of the black stuff and enjoy some craic with Aligreto/Fergus in Dublin 8) That would be a very cool meet-up too :)
Thank you all.
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 12, 2021, 02:40:51 PM
So I have to ask as I'm mainly curious, what was the deal with Pink Harp? I see that he was obsessed with Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande, which I can identify with as I love this opera as well, but he might have taken the obsession to a whole new level.
He did take it to a new level. Pelléas and the Faun obsessed him although he admitted he loved some Wagner too. Pink Harps' name was Eric. Someone, not me, photoshopped this:
(https://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/asheville/guidewr3.png)
Sarge
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 12, 2021, 02:40:51 PM
So I have to ask as I'm mainly curious, what was the deal with Pink Harp?
I see that he was obsessed with Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande, which I can identify with as I love this opera as well, but he might have taken the obsession to a whole new level.
Yes, "a whole new level" is right! I recall that often his comments' denominator was "Yes, but in
Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande ..."
And if you dared to dispute that D's P & M was maybe
NOT THE GREATEST WORK EVER...you were just looking for a metaphorical ocular contusion!
I'm trying to remember the name of the member who was the ultimate Glenn Gould fanboy to the exclusion of all other pianists.
Michel is one dude who caused real havoc. He's been banned multiple times - kept re-entering by a back door, basement window, even sewer pipes. He just couldn't stay away. A real crackpot, that one.
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on April 12, 2021, 03:57:18 PM
He did take it to a new level. Pelléas and the Faun obsessed him although he admitted he loved some Wagner too. Pink Harps' name was Eric. Someone, not me, photoshopped this:
(https://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/asheville/guidewr3.png)
Sarge
Quote from: Cato on April 12, 2021, 04:27:54 PM
Yes, "a whole new level" is right! I recall that often his comments' denominator was "Yes, but in Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande ..."
And if you dared to dispute that D's P & M was maybe NOT THE GREATEST WORK EVER...you were just looking for a metaphorical ocular contusion!
Wow, he sounded like a Grade A nut job. That is a hilarious picture, Sarge. :) And Cato, I doubt I'd want to talk to him about Debussy. :P
Quote from: André on April 12, 2021, 04:46:52 PM
Michel is one dude who caused real havoc. He's been banned multiple times - kept re-entering by a back door, basement window, even sewer pipes. He just couldn't stay away. A real crackpot, that one.
What was this GMG troll's 'claim to fame'? I'm not sure if I remember this member or not.
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 12, 2021, 05:13:20 PM
What was this GMG troll's 'claim to fame'? I'm not sure if I remember this member or not.
No, he was before your time. He had a variety of irritating mannerisms. My overwhelming memory of him is his monumental rudeness. Some miss him, I don't particularly....😐
🤠😎
When you guys say Michel, do you mean Michael "M Forever" or someone else? M Forever was a really smart, knowledgeable member, I think a double bass player who had been in several German orchestras, but who unfortunately was amazingly rude and insulting to anyone he disagreed with. I don't remember Michel.
Quote from: Brian on April 12, 2021, 05:54:18 PM
When you guys say Michel, do you mean Michael "M Forever" or someone else? M Forever was a really smart, knowledgeable member, I think a double bass player who had been in several German orchestras, but who unfortunately was amazingly rude and insulting to anyone he disagreed with. I don't remember Michel.
Two different guys. (Michel pre-dated "M Forever," IIRC.)
--Bruce
Ah, okay. I was pretty new when M Forever made his appearance so Michel must have been very early, like 2005.
Quote from: Brian on April 12, 2021, 06:50:09 PM
Ah, okay. I was pretty new when M Forever made his appearance so Michel must have been very early, like 2005.
Many of us go way back to the pre-GMG days before the turn of the millennium. (I know I am showing my age here...)
Quote from: springrite on April 12, 2021, 06:54:43 PM
Many of us go way back to the pre-GMG days before the turn of the millennium. (I know I am showing my age here...)
Yeah, that's even before me! (2002 or 3). Man you ARE old! :D :D
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 12, 2021, 05:49:51 PM
No, he was before your time. He had a variety of irritating mannerisms. My overwhelming memory of him is his monumental rudeness. Some miss him, I don't particularly....😐
🤠😎
Sounds like he'd get along famously with James. ;)
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 12, 2021, 08:01:40 PM
Sounds like he'd get along famously with James. ;)
I went through James, M, Scarpia (Mel Merkel), Jack Buck (who hated me simply because I am Chinese which meant he could be considered ahead of his time in some circles), and that former student of Leibowitz (from SF, forgot his name)...
Quote from: springrite on April 12, 2021, 08:07:09 PM
I went through James, M, Scarpia (Mel Merkel), Jack Buck (who hated me simply because I am Chinese which meant he could be considered ahead of his time in some circles), and that former student of Leibowitz (from SF, forgot his name)...
Mel Merkel was Iago.
Quote from: springrite on April 12, 2021, 08:07:09 PM
I went through James, M, Scarpia (Mel Merkel), Jack Buck (who hated me simply because I am Chinese which meant he could be considered ahead of his time in some circles), and that former student of Leibowitz (from SF, forgot his name)...
Anyone who dislikes you is an absolute moron regardless of the reason. I have had nothing but a good time talking with you through all these years.
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 12, 2021, 08:36:52 PM
Mel Merkel was Iago.
Oh yes. Before that he was The Word Maestro.
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 12, 2021, 08:22:07 AM
:laugh:
Wait, you mean it's not?! ??? 🙀😾
:)
And, yes, most of the time I feel comfortable and enjoy being on this site. :)
🐈 🎵
;D ;D
Quote from: Brian on April 12, 2021, 05:54:18 PM
When you guys say Michel, do you mean Michael "M Forever" or someone else? M Forever was a really smart, knowledgeable member, I think a double bass player who had been in several German orchestras, but who unfortunately was amazingly rude and insulting to anyone he disagreed with. I don't remember Michel.
Did he have a 'Jaws'-like shark avatar? I may have got this completely wrong. I also recall 'Sidney Grew' as a rather 'colourful' character.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2021, 10:45:42 PM
Did he have a 'Jaws'-like shark avatar? I may have got this completely wrong. I also recall 'Sidney Grew' as a rather 'colourful' character.
Yes, I remember Sidney Grew.
LUKE OTTEVANGER!!! Where are you?
I have urged him - via his wife's FaceBook account - to return at least once in a while. He is (was?) a composer with (so to speak) post-Scriabinian style, which I found most fascinating.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 13, 2021, 02:57:07 AM
Yes, I remember Sidney Grew.
Yes, the guy who always used the royal we when speaking of himself and lost no opportunity to trumpet his view that gay people were artistically and intellectually superior to straight ones.
Quote from: Cato on April 13, 2021, 03:32:57 AM
LUKE OTTEVANGER!!! Where are you?
I have urged him - via his wife's FaceBook account - to return at least once in a while. He is (was?) a composer with (so to speak) post-Scriabinian style, which I found most fascinating.
Luke was also a total delight to meet in person. We stood next to each other for the live BBC Proms "Gothic" Symphony (now on Hyperion) and I think I spotted a tear in his eye near the end.
EDIT: Since it is close to the subject of GMG Friends, Luke is one of several GMGers I've met...that night of the Gothic included vandermolen, Dundonnell, and JZ Herrenberg (maybe someone else I'm forgetting?), and at other times I've met Greta (the first stranger I ever met from the internet), Papy Oli, Bruce, Dancing Divertimentian, (poco) Sforzando, and EigenUser. Can anyone beat my record of 10 GMGers met??
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 12, 2021, 08:01:40 PM
Sounds like he'd get along famously with James. ;)
Actually, he made James look like your cuddly buddy! He used to bait people into saying something nice so he could kick them in the crotch. How do you deal with that level of brutishness? Understand he's a lawyer now; not sure what to say about that! 😳😂
🤠😎
There are plenty of posters to miss. TonyTT, Philo (the bunnies), Sidoze, Molman, Bill, the Dancing Divertimentian, Bulldog, Luke, Elgarian, ... who was our Ormandy fan from Philly? I'm blanking on his name now.
Quote from: DavidW on April 13, 2021, 06:03:30 AM
There are plenty of posters to miss. TonyTT, Philo (the bunnies), Sidoze, Molman, Bill, the Dancing Divertimentian, Bulldog, Luke, Elgarian, ... who was our Ormandy fan from Philly? I'm blanking on his name now.
cliftwood?
I think it might have been Barry perhaps?? My memory fails me.
Quote from: Brian on April 12, 2021, 05:54:18 PM
When you guys say Michel, do you mean Michael "M Forever" or someone else? M Forever was a really smart, knowledgeable member, I think a double bass player who had been in several German orchestras, but who unfortunately was amazingly rude and insulting to anyone he disagreed with. I don't remember Michel.
Different people. Michel also used Facehugger (from the Alien movie) as an alias.
M Forever was a very knowledgeable poster, always interesting when posting about music. But he could be...difficult.
Quote from: Florestan on April 13, 2021, 04:10:08 AM
Yes, the guy who always used the royal we when speaking of himself and lost no opportunity to trumpet his view that gay people were artistically and intellectually superior to straight ones.
Just re-read his (Sydney Grew's) posts. A strong contender for the most insufferable and affected member, a cut above even M Forever, whose rudeness was at least naturally expressed and whose knowledge was at least indisputable. He gets my nomination for the greatest GMG prick ever.
Quote from: Florestan on April 13, 2021, 06:46:02 AM
Just re-read his (Sydney Grew's) posts. A strong contender for the most insufferable and affected member, a cut above even M Forever, whose rudeness was at least naturally expressed and whose knowledge was at least indisputable. He gets my nomination for the greatest GMG prick ever.
To beat out
James in that category is quite a feat! :D
Quote from: André on April 13, 2021, 06:44:12 AM
M Forever was a very knowledgeable poster, always interesting when posting about music. But he could be...difficult.
Indeed. If only he could restrict himself to music only...
I hated him the most when he started lecturing Americans about how they will never be able to even begin to properly understand and perform Austro-German music because they were simply too different culturally --- which is nonsense on stilts.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 13, 2021, 06:47:20 AM
To beat out James in that category is quite a feat! :D
I remember him as well but he posted much more than SG so there's no way I'll re-read his posts. Let's call it a tie. :laugh:
My first experience of a classical music discussion board was "ClassicalInsites," part of "Musicboulevard," and early e-commerce site run by a company called N2K, if memory serves. I think that was 1997. I wonder if there are refugees from that site here.
I think I have joined GMG around 2004, stumbling upon it by chance. I remember posting and starting threads in the old forum. Before that I had never been a member of any other international forum, musical or otherwise.
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 13, 2021, 06:57:57 AM
My first experience of a classical music discussion board was "ClassicalInsites," part of "Musicboulevard," and early e-commerce site run by a company called N2K, if memory serves. I think that was 1997. I wonder if there are refugees from that site here.
ClassicalInsites was my first classical music forum.
I think I joined around 2010 and, while I'm hardly a regular contributor (more of a lurker) I very much value the exchanges (always friendly) I've had with people over the years. If these exchanges never blossomed into full discussions, that's my fault - too little time, too little energy. My family life seems to have been beset by deaths over the period of my membership, so it's been comforting to know that GMG is just "there" - to read people discussing thing of interest to you, even if you don't participate, is curiously comforting.
I don't think anyone so far has mentioned snyprrr - I was never sure whether he was from Planet Earth at all, or the inhabitant of some Trans-Neptunian Object who had just hacked into our terrestrial internet. We talked about home-made pizza once - that was when he had a home, as (if his posts were to be believed) he spent a spell living on the streets. I think there were a lot of quite unsavoury opinions hidden in his stream-of-consciousness posts.
Quote from: Florestan on April 13, 2021, 06:51:47 AM
I remember him as well but he posted much more than SG so there's no way I'll re-read his posts. Let's call it a tie. :laugh:
Spoken like a gentleman, sir!
Quote from: DaveF on April 13, 2021, 09:06:24 AM
I don't think anyone so far has mentioned snyprrr - I was never sure whether he was from Planet Earth at all, or the inhabitant of some Trans-Neptunian Object who had just hacked into our terrestrial internet. We talked about home-made pizza once - that was when he had a home, as (if his posts were to be believed) he spent a spell living on the streets. I think there were a lot of quite unsavoury opinions hidden in his stream-of-consciousness posts.
Although not mentioned, he is in my thoughts too. I liked snyprrr, even if he wasn't from Planet Earth. He was entertaining, for sure.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 13, 2021, 09:24:19 AM
I liked snyprrr, even if he wasn't from Planet Earth. He was entertaining, for sure.
Before my time but I've enjoyed reading his posts in various composer discussions. He did seem to get carried away by sudden enthusiasms. :D
Quote from: Holden on April 13, 2021, 08:59:20 AM
ClassicalInsites was my first classical music forum.
Is it possible, then, that someone else remembers Ralph Stein, a young trumpet player from Oklahoma, I think, and "Ionia?" :)
I remember the late Ralph Stein. He was the creator of some very interesting threads. My favourite was one where every post was a humorous reworking of classical music titles.
Quote from: DaveF on April 13, 2021, 09:06:24 AM
...I don't think anyone so far has mentioned snyprrr - I was never sure whether he was from Planet Earth at all, or the inhabitant of some Trans-Neptunian Object who had just hacked into our terrestrial internet....
Quoted for truth ;D
I was prompted by this thread to check the Wayback Machine and see how long ago I actually joined GMG... turns out it was March 14, 2005. I dug up my original intro from the "Tell Us About Yourself" thread....
Quote from: A Very Young Me
Name: Bill
Age: 33
Location: Newark, DE USA
Married, 2nd kid on the way
Musical interests: Many. :) In classical, mostly old dead German/Austrian guys, but lots of other stuff as well. Rock, blues, country (old), bluegrass...
Musical education/background: formal music eductation nil, other than a bit of choral singing and musicals in school. Have a huge and varied CD collection that I listen to constantly. First got into classical music when I was a teenager -- some teenage boys go for heavy metal, I went for George Szell doing Wagner (his Tannhauser Ovt. is still a huge sentimental favorite of mine, sadly now out of print).
Favorite composer(s): Beethoven & Mahler at the top, followed by lots of folks: Haydn, Mozart, Prokofiev, Bach, Vivaldi, Brahms, Bruckner, Wagner... As far as non-classical, Beatles, Stones, the Band, Muddy Waters, John Hiatt, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, etc.
Favorite work: toughie. Probably Beethoven's 7th symphony, but it depends on when you ask me. If I could say LvB's symphonies as a whole, that would definitely be it -- I probably have twenty-some sets rattling around the house (& car, & office, etc.).
Pleased to make your collective acquaintance! 8)
I'm surprised at how little of the above has changed in 16 years. My 2nd child will be driving a car next year, and fatherhood naturally absorbed much of my spare time, which caused me to leave the forum for a good long stretch. My listening is no longer quite as Beethoven-centric as it used to be, but my favorite composers are still largely focused in the group I listed, with the order shuffled around and several added (Sibelius comes immediately to mind; I've also dipped several toes into jazz).
I don't post as much as I used to, mostly due to the lack of spare time (those pesky employers), but also out of an acknowledgment that my taste in classical music is frankly a bit conventional -- which is fine since it's my taste, but with 20 years of history the forum doesn't particularly need, or have an appetite for, new discussions on "what's the best recording of Brahms PC1?" since we've covered it in great depth many times already. I can learn a lot more than I can actively contribute on most topics, which has always been the case.
But it is undeniably nice, particularly as we approach the end of a year like the last one, to be in the company of a community of like-minded souls (classical fans are not thick on the ground in these parts), and have a nice chat over a virtual pint.
Here's to a fine forum, by far the best I've ever run across. Long may she flourish. :)
Quote from: j winter on April 13, 2021, 01:10:48 PM
Quoted for truth ;D
I was prompted by this thread to check the Wayback Machine and see how long ago I actually joined GMG... turns out it was March 14, 2005. I dug up my original intro from the "Tell Us About Yourself" thread....
I'm surprised at how little of the above has changed in 16 years. My 2nd child will be driving a car next year, and fatherhood naturally absorbed much of my spare time, which caused me to leave the forum for a good long stretch. My listening is no longer quite as Beethoven-centric as it used to be, but my favorite composers are still largely focused in the group I listed, with the order shuffled around and several added (Sibelius comes immediately to mind; I've also dipped several toes into jazz).
I don't post as much as I used to, mostly due to the lack of spare time (those pesky employers), but also out of an acknowledgment that my taste in classical music is frankly a bit conventional -- which is fine since it's my taste, but with 20 years of history the forum doesn't particularly need, or have an appetite for, new discussions on "what's the best recording of Brahms PC1?" since we've covered it in great depth many times already. I can learn a lot more than I can actively contribute on most topics, which has always been the case.
But it is undeniably nice, particularly as we approach the end of a year like the last one, to be in the company of a community of like-minded souls (classical fans are not thick on the ground in these parts), and have a nice chat over a virtual pint.
Here's to a fine forum, by far the best I've ever run across. Long may she flourish. :)
Huzzah,
Bill!
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 13, 2021, 09:24:19 AM
Although not mentioned, he is in my thoughts too. I liked snyprrr, even if he wasn't from Planet Earth. He was entertaining, for sure.
I think of him occasionally as well. He was very human in his otherwordliness, and displayed moments of great insight in his more lucid moments. I sincerely hope all is well with him.
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 12, 2021, 08:45:05 PM
Anyone who dislikes you is an absolute moron regardless of the reason. I have had nothing but a good time talking with you through all these years.
Me too :)
Quote from: Florestan on April 13, 2021, 04:10:08 AM
Yes, the guy who always used the royal we when speaking of himself and lost no opportunity to trumpet his view that gay people were artistically and intellectually superior to straight ones.
I think that he tried to launch a take-over coup on a different music forum.
Quote from: The new erato on April 13, 2021, 02:23:36 PM
I think of him occasionally as well. He was very human in his otherwordliness, and displayed moments of great insight in his more lucid moments. I sincerely hope all is well with him.
+1
Quote from: j winter on April 13, 2021, 01:10:48 PM
Quoted for truth ;D
I was prompted by this thread to check the Wayback Machine and see how long ago I actually joined GMG... turns out it was March 14, 2005. I dug up my original intro from the "Tell Us About Yourself" thread....
Could you explain how to do that? How to search the stored pages? :)
Quote from: DaveF on April 13, 2021, 09:06:24 AM
I think I joined around 2010 and, while I'm hardly a regular contributor (more of a lurker) I very much value the exchanges (always friendly) I've had with people over the years. If these exchanges never blossomed into full discussions, that's my fault - too little time, too little energy. My family life seems to have been beset by deaths over the period of my membership, so it's been comforting to know that GMG is just "there" - to read people discussing thing of interest to you, even if you don't participate, is curiously comforting.
I don't think anyone so far has mentioned snyprrr - I was never sure whether he was from Planet Earth at all, or the inhabitant of some Trans-Neptunian Object who had just hacked into our terrestrial internet. We talked about home-made pizza once - that was when he had a home, as (if his posts were to be believed) he spent a spell living on the streets. I think there were a lot of quite unsavoury opinions hidden in his stream-of-consciousness posts.
I switched off as I thought that I should be getting on with my 'going back to school' preparation (which I should) but then I thought about what you wrote Dave and switched back on! I very much agree with what you say about the GMG Forum being 'there' during difficult times. I'm sorry to hear about the deaths in your family. In recent years my lovely sister-in-law (more like a sister) and two close friends have all died much too young (early 50s to mid 60s) and the forum did offer a sense of normality during those difficult times. I know that the Forum is not a 'support group' but then maybe every good group can be a support group at times - that's my experience here anyway. Now, I must get back to work!
Quote from: Brian on April 12, 2021, 05:54:18 PM
M Forever was a really smart, knowledgeable member, I think a double bass player who had been in several German orchestras, but who unfortunately was amazingly rude and insulting to anyone he disagreed with. I don't remember Michel.
That's kind of the way I think of him too.
It's not that he couldn't brook disagreement, but things quickly went "that's because you're a crazy German" way, and he didn't take well to things like that.
There are a lot of anti-German sentiments in the classical music scene. Think of Hurwitz cracking jokes over German names for easy laughs.
For me his knowledge vastly outweighed his obnoxiousness
Pink Harp was obviously going though a lot of stuff, asperger may of may not have been be part of it, and no one knows if he ever got out.
As a rule people join GMG for companionship and Pinkie was no exception.
Quote from: Que on April 13, 2021, 10:37:27 PM
Could you explain how to do that? How to search the stored pages? :)
There's a link to Wayback Machine via archive.org (http://archive.org) - although how you use it after that I'm not sure. Others will know the details, but I hope this gives you a start.
Quote from: Herman on April 13, 2021, 11:45:42 PM
That's kind of the way I think of him too.
It's not that he couldn't brook disagreement, but things quickly went "that's because you're a crazy German" way, and he didn't take well to things like that.
Actually, it was exactly the other way around: he told numerous people (especially Americans) on numerous occasions "You're not German/Austrian, therefore you know, and can know, nothing about the true spirit of the German/Austrian music".
That's not how I remember it, and I have no need to remember him as a bad person.
Quote from: Herman on April 14, 2021, 12:43:20 AM
That's not how I remember it, and I have no need to remember him as a bad person.
He was not bad, only bad-tempered.
The funny thing I remember from Michael aka M Forever is that he was almost exclusively interested in late Romantic Austro-German repertoire, preferably played by the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by either Carlos Kleiber or Sinopoli. 8)
I once sent on him a CD - posted to his mum in Germany. Payment was made by a short thank you note - from his mum - with a 10 euro bill. :D
Quote from: Que on April 14, 2021, 12:52:58 AM
The funny thing I remember from Michael aka M Forever is that he was almost exclusively interested in late Romantic Austro-German repertoire, preferably played by the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by either Carlos Kleiber or Sinopoli. 8)
I once sent on him a CD - posted to his mum in Germany. Payment was made by a short thank you note - from his mum - with a 10 euro bill. :D
Or the Berlin Philharmonic.
Perhaps you need to see it from his perspective, as a double bass player. At that time in music history it starts getting interesting for bass players.
One thing (apart from the German-bashing) that produced bad temper is the almost standard thing on music groups. Almost invariably active musicians leave music discussion groups (in various types of huffs) because they are vastly outnumbered by armchair generals who often act kind of competitive towards the musician and his superior technical knowledge.
MForever used to write lengthy posts about what he knew, often only to be blown away by "I disagree and btw you're a nazi".
M forever was extremely knowledgeable and could be rude in a normal way when his erudite pronouncements about music were not met with unequivocal acceptance or were questioned or even discussed. That's not what got him banned. What got him banned, as I remember it, was that once a particular member got in his cross-hairs he would make the most vicious personal attacks, bringing in the target's job, personal life, achievement in life, etc. It was a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde situation.
Another bizarro character was Josquin des Prez, who espoused bizarro theories of "genius" which by definition excluded females. He started to complain about psychological problems and faded away, if memory serves.
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 14, 2021, 03:07:43 AM
Another bizarro character was Josquin des Prez, who espoused bizarro theories of "genius" which by definition excluded females. He started to complain about psychological problems and faded away, if memory serves.
Oh yes, I remember Josquin. He complained a lot about the decline of civilization and moral decay, and especially relating to the Arts.
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 14, 2021, 03:07:43 AM
M forever was extremely knowledgeable and could be rude in a normal way when his erudite pronouncements about music were not met with unequivocal acceptance or were questioned or even discussed. That's not what got him banned. What got him banned, as I remember it, was that once a particular member got in his cross-hairs he would make the most vicious personal attacks, bringing in the target's job, personal life, achievement in life, etc. It was a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde situation.
Exactly. IIRC, Superhorn was one of the many who received this treatment. I also remember him bashing someone (Brian?) for being Texas-born.
He was not a monster but painting him as a more or less innocent victim is a gross distortion of facts.
He is the only member ever to have been banned --- and that says a lot.
I admit to being spellbound by this cast of characters...though they are probably best "recollected in tranquility." ;D
Quote from: Florestan on April 14, 2021, 03:20:19 AM
Exactly. IIRC, Superhorn was one of the many who received this treatment. I also remember him bashing someone (Brian?) for being Texas-born.
This is interesting, I did not remember it. It was probably not me as I was not Texas-born, but interestingly, he also struck up such a close (and offline) personal friendship with a Texas-born GMGer that once when I was seeing a concert with the fellow Texan, M Forever called them on the phone to chat! So M and I exchanged a few kind words...he politely (and maybe condescendingly) said I was a promising young man ;D
I will never forget M changing utterly the way I hear Sibelius 7, when he pointed out the melodic arc played by the strings at the ending, which is almost always buried by Sibelius' own somewhat heavy orchestration.
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 14, 2021, 03:07:43 AM
M forever was extremely knowledgeable and could be rude in a normal way when his erudite pronouncements about music were not met with unequivocal acceptance or were questioned or even discussed. That's not what got him banned. What got him banned, as I remember it, was that once a particular member got in his cross-hairs he would make the most vicious personal attacks, bringing in the target's job, personal life, achievement in life, etc. It was a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde situation.
Another bizarro character was Josquin des Prez, who espoused bizarro theories of "genius" which by definition excluded females. He started to complain about psychological problems and faded away, if memory serves.
Wait you must have been here for a long time. Who were you if you don't mind me asking?
Quote from: Florestan on April 14, 2021, 12:47:24 AM
He was not bad, only bad-tempered.
Agreed. He came to work in Boston at one point, and we got together for a cup of tea near my office.
Quote from: Spotted Horses on April 14, 2021, 03:07:43 AM
M forever was extremely knowledgeable and could be rude in a normal way when his erudite pronouncements about music were not met with unequivocal acceptance or were questioned or even discussed. That's not what got him banned. What got him banned, as I remember it, was that once a particular member got in his cross-hairs he would make the most vicious personal attacks, bringing in the target's job, personal life, achievement in life, etc.
I have no memory of this vendetta, fortunately.
Quote from: Florestan on April 14, 2021, 12:25:08 AM
Actually, it was exactly the other way around: he told numerous people (especially Americans) on numerous occasions "You're not German/Austrian, therefore you know, and can know, nothing about the true spirit of the German/Austrian music".
Quote from: Herman on April 14, 2021, 12:43:20 AM
That's not how I remember it, and I have no need to remember him as a bad person.
Actually, Andrej is correct here, which I only say because I was perforce heavily involved in the affair at the time. However, I have no need to remember him as a bad person either, I never thought he was. He had no tolerance for opinions which were incongruent with his own. His opinions were usually worth defending, so I can't blame him for that. The problem arose from the unrelenting brutality with which he dealt with his perceived adversary. I was sorry to see it end as it did, but there have to be some constraints on behavior to maintain civility. 😕
🤠😎
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 14, 2021, 05:50:19 AM
However, I have no need to remember him as a bad person either, I never thought he was. He had no tolerance for opinions which were incongruent with his own. His opinions were usually worth defending, so I can't blame him for that.
Maybe the problem was the discrepancy in insight / knowledge. Michael probably could deal very well with another (freelance or fulltime) Berlin Philharmonic musician disagreeing with him. He just had a big problem (over time) having to deal with laymen disagreeing with him.
Like I said, over here and especially at RMCR vast numbers of professionals have left because of this probem and the question of whether you want to spend your time this way.
There are probably top secret forums for music professionals now.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 14, 2021, 05:50:19 AM
Actually, Andrej is correct here, which I only say because I was perforce heavily involved in the affair at the time.
Thank you, Gurn. My memory is still intact, it seems, as opposed to others'...
Quote from: DaveF on April 13, 2021, 09:06:24 AM
I don't think anyone so far has mentioned snyprrr - I was never sure whether he was from Planet Earth at all, or the inhabitant of some Trans-Neptunian Object who had just hacked into our terrestrial internet. We talked about home-made pizza once - that was when he had a home, as (if his posts were to be believed) he spent a spell living on the streets. I think there were a lot of quite unsavoury opinions hidden in his stream-of-consciousness posts.
SNYPRR! A most manic and curious character! 0:)
"
Stream-of-consciousness posts" is right: at times it was a stream of something.... ;)
Quote from: Herman on April 14, 2021, 06:18:57 AM
Maybe the problem was the discrepancy in insight / knowledge. Michael probably could deal very well with another (freelance or fulltime) Berlin Philharmonic musician disagreeing with him. He just had a big problem (over time) having to deal with laymen disagreeing with him.
Like I said, over here and especially at RMCR vast numbers of professionals have left because of this probem and the question of whether you want to spend your time this way.
There are probably top secret forums for music professionals now.
That would be a great thing! 😊
My great friend, Lis (Uffeviking) used to say "don't be concerned about Michael, he is just a normal German male. As a German woman, she had a unique perspective which I can't dispute. However, the irony completely escaped her: the view that all normal German males acted like boorish ars'le's at the drop of a hat. I've dealt with a great many of them, here and elsewhere who were perfectly reasonable and civil, even in exigent circumstances. So, your professional musician theory probably is more likely. That said, I've dealt with many of them, too, with no problem. So maybe he was just uniquely M? 😳
🤠😎
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 14, 2021, 07:18:33 AM
So, your professional musician theory probably is more likely. That said, I've dealt with many of them, too, with no problem. So maybe he was just uniquely M? 😳
🤠😎
Well, I believe he wasn't a very successful musician, as far as I know, always playing temp jobs on the fly. And I think he was doing equipment or studio jobs at the time of his posting here,
in 'Merica, of all places!. So maybe there was a little bit of unhappiness there.
I'm also fairly sure these music groups attract a fairly reliable number of cranks and not entirely well-adapted members of society, frankly I'm ready to count myself in either of those groups (but not both at the same time, please!), who need to act out a form of superiority here they're lacking IRL.
It seems by the sound of it that even I could be considered one of the GMG trolls. :P We all have our eccentricities of course, but also, there are some people who are just plain...bizarre.
Quote from: BWV 1080 on April 12, 2021, 12:13:22 PM
Although if anyone is feeling nostalgic, I bet you could locate Sean on a sex offender registry somewhere
I remember that one (of many) of Sean's peculiarities was that he held it to be literally, physically impossible for modern listeners to understand music written pre-1700 because it was "modal" rather than "tonal". Apparently back then they had an extra awareness, rather like beings that inhabit 4-dimensional space, of the differences between the Mixolydian, Dorian, Phrygian etc. which we have completely lost. For us to listen to early music was therefore rather like a blind person visiting a picture gallery. I once forced John Browne's
Stabat mater upon him, which he gave his usual thorough attention (he listened to everything 5 times before expressing an opinion) before grudgingly conceding that it exhibited "proto-tonal tendencies".
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 14, 2021, 05:19:38 AM
Agreed. He came to work in Boston at one point, and we got together for a cup of tea near my office.
I seem to remember that he subsequently made some cutting remarks regarding your success as a composer, which seemed particularly offensive because of your prior hospitality. Of course, memory is often inaccurate and is impossible to confirm. Conversations are extremely difficult to reconstruct from these discussion board, which don't allow you to access see things as they unfolded chronologically across threads, and because offensive posts are often deleted.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 14, 2021, 05:19:38 AM
Agreed. He came to work in Boston at one point, and we got together for a cup of tea near my office.
Michael and I actually lived in the same town in California when he was out here. He also came to the West Coast Brucknerthon at least once. I think he may have been a bit hurt that I never hung out with him, though that had more to do with my living situation at the time and my being rather anti-social.
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 14, 2021, 11:38:36 AM
It seems by the sound of it that even I could be considered one of the GMG trolls. :P We all have our eccentricities of course, but also, there are some people who are just plain...bizarre.
But we love your version of bizarreness.
Quote from: DaveF on April 14, 2021, 12:00:09 PM
I remember that one (of many) of Sean's peculiarities was that he held it to be literally, physically impossible for modern listeners to understand music written pre-1700 because it was "modal" rather than "tonal". Apparently back then they had an extra awareness, rather like beings that inhabit 4-dimensional space, of the differences between the Mixolydian, Dorian, Phrygian etc. which we have completely lost. For us to listen to early music was therefore rather like a blind person visiting a picture gallery. I once forced John Browne's Stabat mater upon him, which he gave his usual thorough attention (he listened to everything 5 times before expressing an opinion) before grudgingly conceding that it exhibited "proto-tonal tendencies".
This thread was the one that prompted me to re-register again properly, and to say hello after such a long time. I really appreciate the way you all view the forum. I'm also registered on other fora, but I visit here far more frequently than other places. I confess that one of my dim and distant conversations with Sean led me to stop contributing, but I was less resilient then, due to a tough patch. I still probably won't add much, but I do enjoy learning here.
Quote from: foxandpeng on April 29, 2021, 03:20:30 AM
This thread was the one that prompted me to re-register again properly, and to say hello after such a long time. I really appreciate the way you all view the forum. I'm also registered on other fora, but I visit here far more frequently than other places. I confess that one of my dim and distant conversations with Sean led me to stop contributing, but I was less resilient then, due to a tough patch. I still probably won't add much, but I do enjoy learning here.
Ouch! However, it is very nice that you have returned!!
Quote from: DaveF on April 14, 2021, 12:00:09 PM
I remember that one (of many) of Sean's peculiarities was that he held it to be literally, physically impossible for modern listeners to understand music written pre-1700 because it was "modal" rather than "tonal". Apparently back then they had an extra awareness, rather like beings that inhabit 4-dimensional space, of the differences between the Mixolydian, Dorian, Phrygian etc. which we have completely lost. For us to listen to early music was therefore rather like a blind person visiting a picture gallery. I once forced John Browne's Stabat mater upon him, which he gave his usual thorough attention (he listened to everything 5 times before expressing an opinion) before grudgingly conceding that it exhibited "proto-tonal tendencies".
Sean exhibited
proto-no-no tendencies, and I don't mean Luigi! ;)
Quote from: foxandpeng on April 29, 2021, 03:20:30 AM
This thread was the one that prompted me to re-register again properly, and to say hello after such a long time. I really appreciate the way you all view the forum. I'm also registered on other fora, but I visit here far more frequently than other places. I confess that one of my dim and distant conversations with Sean led me to stop contributing, but I was less resilient then, due to a tough patch. I still probably won't add much, but I do enjoy learning here.
The poster formerly known as Pencils..
Pencils rings a bell.
Quote from: philoctetes on May 01, 2021, 09:06:08 AM
Returning to the topic at hand, it is thanks to this forum that I was able to meet two righteous dudes (Corey and Nigel), sadly (or not) who are no longer part of this forum, but I am very glad to have met both of them, even if I knew them only for a short time. They also (wittingly or unwittingly) allowed me to understand a part of myself that was either previously unknown to me (or denied by me, but I suspect it is probably more the former than the latter).
:)
Thanks for sharing.
To 71 dB - Fwiw, I think bloody-minded persistence in the face of widespread opposition can be an admirable virtue at times, though I'm not sure a politics thread on a music forum is necessarily one of those times. But I think you're an honest person without guile, which to me are very valuable qualities, and in certain things you talk with great authority and clarity, hi fi/audio being one example, where there's nobody's opinion I'd respect more.
Quote from: philoctetes on May 01, 2021, 09:06:08 AM
Returning to the topic at hand, it is thanks to this forum that I was able to meet two righteous dudes (Corey and Nigel), sadly (or not) who are no longer part of this forum, but I am very glad to have met both of them, even if I knew them only for a short time. They also (wittingly or unwittingly) allowed me to understand a part of myself that was either previously unknown to me (or denied by me, but I suspect it is probably more the former than the latter).
:)
That's a heartening story, nice to hear. :)
Quote from: Iota on May 01, 2021, 10:57:30 AM
To 71 dB -
Fwiw, I think bloody-minded persistence in the face of widespread opposition can be an admirable virtue at times, though I'm not sure a politics thread on a music forum is necessarily one of those times. But I think you're an honest person without guile, which to me are very valuable qualities, and in certain things you talk with great authority and clarity, hi fi/audio being one example, where there's nobody's opinion I'd respect more.
These are kind and thoughtful words! Thank you Iota! Much appreciated! 0:)