... or Singapore, rather.
Hi all,
I'm an 18-year-old Indonesian currently residing in Singapore. I have just finished my secondary education and am now taking a gap year to work and travel before entering university next year. I'm currently holding a temporary teaching job in my previous secondary school as well as giving private tuitions.
I have been listening to classical music for around 5 years. It all started when I received a box set of Beethoven's complete symphonies from a friend of my father – another classical music enthusiast – for Christmas. What I heard just blew me away and started me on my journey into the wonderful world of classical music. (Unfortunately I lost the set when we were moving out shortly after). Initially I started collecting recordings based on a completely random and haphazard basis (Well, maybe not that random. I always went for the cheap ones). Then one day I saved up enough money to get The Rough Guide to Classical Music, which is when I started to buy recordings systematically.
During my first phase I was immediately hooked on the late-Romantic sound of composers such as Mahler, Richard Strauss, etc. Shostakovich also became one of my favourites. However, after a few years inexplicably my tastes changed in an entirely opposite direction – moving away from emotional excess and towards simplicity, clarity, restraint, and elegance. My listening diet used to consist of mostly large-scale orchestral works but I find myself favouring chamber and solo piano music these days. This of course does not mean that I no longer enjoy the composers that I previously love; only that I don't find myself in the correct mood to listen to them as often these days. My favourite composer currently is Debussy (glances at my avatar), but generally I like most French music composed from the Romantic period onwards. My blind spot so far is with serialism. I can accept some freely atonal works but most serial works I have ever heard just went over my head. Even the works of that supposedly most Romantic member of the Second Viennese School, Alban Berg, failed to strike any chord with me. (I'm still trying, of course. Just wondering if any of you may have some advice regarding this).
Given my experience, I don't have much deep musical knowledge and this looks like a nice little active forum where I can expand my horizons on this topic. I try to be objective and whatever I say is nothing more than my personal response to the music I heard, so don't take it too seriously when I say anything questionable and let's be nice to each other here.
Looking forward to a fruitful discussion with you all,
Adrian
You came to the right place, Adrian. Welcome.
Welcome Adrian, and what a well written resume, well done.
I am sure you will feel fine with GMG, and I for one am looking forward to your contributions. :)
Exemplary introduction, Adrian. Welcome!
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on May 01, 2008, 05:26:43 AM
My blind spot so far is with serialism. I can accept some freely atonal works but most serial works I have ever heard just went over my head. Even the works of that supposedly most Romantic member of the Second Viennese School, Alban Berg, failed to strike any chord with me. (I'm still trying, of course. Just wondering if any of you may have some advice regarding this).
We have had only about 10-20 discussions on this subject so far. I would suggest searching the archives and responding to any thread as you see fit; no thread is really "dead" so long as it remains open and people keep contributing to it. Thanks for your informative and literate self-introduction.
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on May 01, 2008, 05:26:43 AM
My blind spot so far is with serialism. I can accept some freely atonal works but most serial works I have ever heard just went over my head. Even the works of that supposedly most Romantic member of the Second Viennese School, Alban Berg, failed to strike any chord with me. (I'm still trying, of course. Just wondering if any of you may have some advice regarding this).
Hi Adrian, and welcome to GMG. Another Debussy fan here, one of my favorite composers.
Regarding Berg or any composer who leaves you cold, I'd say don't worry about it. Keep trying unfamiliar music now and then, but if it isn't resonating, just go on to another composer (since there are thousands). I don't think any single composer is a "must" to be a classical music fan, and it sounds like you have a fairly diverse roster already of people whose work you admire.
Anyway, wishing you a good time here, and success in your explorations!
--Bruce
Quote from: bhodges on May 01, 2008, 07:43:17 AM
I don't think any single composer is a "must" to be a classical music fan...
Only Bach, Mozart and Beethoven are mandatory. 0:)
Quote from: MN Brahms on May 01, 2008, 07:46:46 AM
Only Bach, Mozart and Beethoven are mandatory. 0:)
...and Xenakis. ;D
--Bruce
Quote from: MN Brahms on May 01, 2008, 08:16:06 AM
What the...!
That'll teach you to leave the meetings early!
Quote from: MN Brahms on May 01, 2008, 07:46:46 AM
Only Bach, Mozart and Beethoven are mandatory. 0:)
Quote from: bhodges on May 01, 2008, 08:11:51 AM
...and Xenakis. ;D
Quote from: MN Brahms on May 01, 2008, 08:16:06 AM
What the...!
Quote from: karlhenning on May 01, 2008, 08:32:19 AM
That'll teach you to leave the meetings early!
Quote from: MN Brahms on May 01, 2008, 08:34:33 AMHa!
Very enjoyable, gentlemen! Onwards and upwards!
Thank you, everyone, for your warm welcome.
Quote from: bhodges on May 01, 2008, 07:43:17 AM
Regarding Berg or any composer who leaves you cold, I'd say don't worry about it. Keep trying unfamiliar music now and then, but if it isn't resonating, just go on to another composer (since there are thousands). I don't think any single composer is a "must" to be a classical music fan, and it sounds like you have a fairly diverse roster already of people whose work you admire.
Thank you for your advice, Bruce. As a matter of fact, I'm occupied with exploring the by-ways of the repertoire right now (even though I don't have all the concert warhorses yet!)
Quote from: Sforzando on May 01, 2008, 05:43:26 AM
We have had only about 10-20 discussions on this subject so far. I would suggest searching the archives and responding to any thread as you see fit; no thread is really "dead" so long as it remains open and people keep contributing to it. Thanks for your informative and literate self-introduction.
Thanks. I will eventually get there in due time, but right now I still have a few unopened CDs and the idea of returning to Schoenberg/Webern/Berg just doesn't look very tempting at the moment... :P
Quote from: bhodges on May 01, 2008, 08:11:51 AM
...and Xenakis. ;D
--Bruce
And who might this Xenakis be, I wonder? Is this some sort of an inside joke? :)
Quote from: Jezetha on May 01, 2008, 08:41:32 AM
Very enjoyable, gentlemen! Onwards and upwards!
This is what I like about this forum: You guys have a great sense of humour! Over here people who listen to classical music are often labelled as boring, stuffy, and uptight... but the posters here have got to be some of the wittiest persons I have seen anywhere! I think I will enjoy my stay here...
Greetings from Beethoven and Mozart's Vienna, Adrian. Welcome to the forum. 8)
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on May 01, 2008, 08:56:33 PM
This is what I like about this forum: You guys have a great sense of humour! Over here people who listen to classical music are often labelled as boring, stuffy, and uptight... but the posters here have got to be some of the wittiest persons I have seen anywhere!
We
are witty and, moreover, we all, to a man (and woman), love fart jokes. There is no better place to discuss classical music and digestive issues.
Sarge
Welcome indeed; I hope you enjoy posting here.
Xenakis....not an in-joke; A Greek composer, (Though not born in Greece.) He died in 2001. I find his music demanding. It is not music I reach onto the shelves for; but he certainly has his supporters, many of them distinguished.
Cheers,
Mike
Welcome, M. Croche! You will find there are plenty of dilettantes on this forum to hate at your leisure. :D
Quote from: Corey on May 04, 2008, 05:06:37 PM
Welcome, M. Croche! You will find there are plenty of dilettantes on this forum to hate at your leisure. :D
Indeed (which is a word we dilettantes use excessively here...and by which you can easily recognize us).
Sarge
Quote from: MN Dave on May 01, 2008, 07:46:46 AM
Only Bach, Mozart and Beethoven are mandatory. 0:)
Glad to meet you Adrian and Dave NO composer is mandatory. I abhor Mozart and only like a few works by Bach and Beethoven, yet I love hundreds of classical composers mostly from the Romantic period onward with the exception of grossly atonal serial music.
So it depends on what one likes, for me mandatory composers would include Stravinsky, Bartok, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Liszt and Rachmaninoff for starters. I would never suggest they are mandatory for anyone else, what one loves is a personal issue and not to be dictated to from on high.
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on May 04, 2008, 12:09:26 PM
We are witty and, moreover, we all, to a man (and woman), love fart jokes. There is no better place to discuss classical music and digestive issues.
Sarge
Fine combination,
Sarge! Indeed some of my most intense listening experiences have occurred when I was having digestive problems - and did I tell you about the time that I contracted cholera? Yes, cholera, the disease that ravaged Tchaikovsky and most Europe during the Romantic era. It was during those sessions of HIL (Historically Informed Listening) that many inner secrets of the works written during the period have been revealed to me; indeed the experience has left me with a greater insight into the Romantic artists' concept of suffering. Even now, just as a precaution, I have a CD player specially installed in my bathroom - one never know when it may come in handy... :D
Quote from: Corey on May 04, 2008, 05:06:37 PM
Welcome, M. Croche! You will find there are plenty of dilettantes on this forum to hate at your leisure. :D
A very comforting thought,
Corey. Can you imagine a world with all love and no hate? Why, our days would even be more boring than they already are!
Quote from: Teresa on May 04, 2008, 05:35:59 PM
Glad to meet you Adrian and Dave NO composer is mandatory. I abhor Mozart and only like a few works by Bach and Beethoven, yet I love hundreds of classical composers mostly from the Romantic period onward with the exception of grossly atonal serial music.
So it depends on what one likes, for me mandatory composers would include Stravinsky, Bartok, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Liszt and Rachmaninoff for starters. I would never suggest they are mandatory for anyone else, what one loves is a personal issue and not to be dictated to from on high.
Teresa, I have no problem with Dave's post; I take it that the post was meant as a half-joke, and anyway I already love Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. I think those three wrote some of the greatest classical music available out there, and entirely deserve the praises accorded to them. I didn't like Mozart initially, perhaps because he gave me the impression of being too happy-go-lucky and shallow, but recently I have been rediscovering him, so to speak, and he is now one of the composers I listen to most! They are in any case very different composers, such that it is normal to dislike one or two, but very, very unusual for a serious classical music fan to dismiss all three. All I can say is that you are missing a good deal of great music...
Oh, yes...you look like you are well up for this. Welcome aboard the floating asylum.
Mike
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on May 05, 2008, 04:32:41 AM
Fine combination, Sarge! Indeed some of my most intense listening experiences have occurred when I was having digestive problems - and did I tell you about the time that I contracted cholera? Yes, cholera, the disease that ravaged Tchaikovsky and most Europe during the Romantic era. It was during those sessions of HIL (Historically Informed Listening) that many inner secrets of the works written during the period have been revealed to me; indeed the experience has left me with a greater insight into the Romantic artists' concept of suffering. Even now, just as a precaution, I have a CD player specially installed in my bathroom - one never know when it may come in handy... :D
Quote from: knight on May 05, 2008, 04:46:03 AM
Oh, yes...you look like you are well up for this. Welcome aboard the floating asylum.
Mike
Yes, M. Croche passed the entrance exam with flying colors.
Sarge
Quote from: knight on May 05, 2008, 04:46:03 AM
Welcome aboard the floating asylum.
Brigadoon, Brigadoo-oon . . . .
Quote from: karlhenning on May 06, 2008, 04:45:48 AM
Brigadoon, Brigadoo-oon . . . .
Though in contrast sighted pretty much daily.
Mike
Welcome from Indonesia M. Croche - Where was your home in Indonesia? I have been living in Jakarta for the last 16 months and will be heading home to the states in just under a month.
If you have a good internet connection and want to hear a nice variety of Xenakis' music try this 'on demand' site. I have to warn you that I could not check the sound because my connection is about 2 steps about a phone line. But from past experience it should work and the sound should be great. This program was broadcast as a tribute to Xenakis soon after he died.
http://www.vpro.nl/programma/avondconcert/afleveringen/3351914/
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on May 06, 2008, 04:42:25 AM
Yes, M. Croche passed the entrance exam with flying colors.
Sarge
What's next, gentlemen? 8)
Quote from: UB on May 07, 2008, 04:30:18 AM
Welcome from Indonesia M. Croche - Where was your home in Indonesia? I have been living in Jakarta for the last 16 months and will be heading home to the states in just under a month.
My home was (and still is) in Singkawang, West Kalimantan – I have only returned to Singapore for about 1 month now. Can I ask what you were doing in Indonesia for this past 16 months? How do you find the classical music scene there? It looks pretty much comatose to me...
Quote from: UB on May 07, 2008, 04:30:18 AM
If you have a good internet connection and want to hear a nice variety of Xenakis' music try this 'on demand' site. I have to warn you that I could not check the sound because my connection is about 2 steps about a phone line. But from past experience it should work and the sound should be great. This program was broadcast as a tribute to Xenakis soon after he died.
http://www.vpro.nl/programma/avondconcert/afleveringen/3351914/
I have tried the link and the sound is excellent, but there seems to be no information provided on the works themselves (or at least not in a language that I can understand). :-\ Will post my impressions in due time, after a few more listenings.
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on May 07, 2008, 06:09:18 AM
I have tried the link and the sound is excellent, but there seems to be no information provided on the works themselves (or at least not in a language that I can understand). :-\ Will post my impressions in due time, after a few more listenings.
I am Dutch. But the site doesn't provide any more information, as far as I can see. I don't know the music of Xenakis, otherwise I would have recognized what I am hearing...
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on May 07, 2008, 06:09:18 AM
What's next, gentlemen? 8)
Entirely up to you. We gave up the tarring and feathering initiation ages ago; such a mess on people's keyboards and frustratingly we could never see the results.
I hope you can be enticed into the Opera and Vocal room on occasion, the people there are particularly pleasant....well, I would say that, wouldn't I.
Mike
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on May 01, 2008, 05:26:43 AMDuring my first phase I was immediately hooked on the late-Romantic sound of composers such as Mahler, Richard Strauss, etc. Shostakovich also became one of my favourites. However, after a few years inexplicably my tastes changed in an entirely opposite direction – moving away from emotional excess and towards simplicity, clarity, restraint, and elegance.
Have you met Mr. Sibelius yet, Adrian?
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on May 01, 2008, 08:56:33 PM
This is what I like about this forum: You guys have a great sense of humour! Over here people who listen to classical music are often labelled as boring, stuffy, and uptight… but the posters here have got to be some of the wittiest persons I have seen anywhere! I think I will enjoy my stay here…
Indeed!
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on May 04, 2008, 12:09:26 PM
We are witty and, moreover, we all, to a man (and woman), love fart jokes. There is no better place to discuss classical music and digestive issues.
Sarge! Strike a match! Please!