classical music recommendations

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I'm reading a book on opera history and it seems this is one of the first important operas.

I'm not nuts about this one, even Pavarotti isn't helping it. It's interesting though that it's more like a song than an opera. It sounds kind of familiar though - someone probably posted it~

Also wanted to repost this question since I accidentally posted it in the middle of the quoting music above - maybe you didn't see it. Hey do you guys think that I should prepare myself for my opera subscription by learning all the stories, etc? Or is it better to go in not knowing and maybe missing what the heck is going on? The last time I was there they hadn't installed subtitles yet so I'm not sure how they work, but I would rather be relaxed and not trying to stare at subtitles. I want to give my attention to the stage.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Okcd21d5tg[/youtube]

Never heard of this guy, but he's mentioned in the book too. I like him very much. Your post timing is excellent!

This is for you to decide.

But if I was going, I wouldn't view any videos or read the scripts. The music and the non-verbal elements of a performance allow me to interpret the story with my own imagination. One of the great detractions of modern pop music (aside from its limited instrumentation, verse-chorus-verse, and other simplistic repetitions) is the fact that the lyrics define and shape the meaning of the songs. This is why I love instrumentals--each individual listener hears the music in her own way. There is a great freedom of interpretation. The only limit is yourself.

433 replies have been posted to this thread.

In celebration, I now present John Cage's famous 4'33" performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY7UK-6aaNA[/youtube]

On the other hand, watching a version with subtitles or reading the script beforehand will probably provide you with a better sense of the storyline and allow you to interpret the performance as the composer and writers intended. There are also some wonderful lines of dialogue in these operas that shouldn't be missed!

It's all a matter of preference.

If you want more mystery, don't look into them before the showings.

If you prefer to immerse yourself more in the intricacies of the story, characters, and other elements. Read and view all that you wish.

Those are really good points. I've been listening to five operas and I have no idea what they are singing about, I'm just totally enjoying them.

BIG MOMENT FOR ME - today while riding my bike to work for the first time EVEr, I started singing an opera song off the top of my head! haha.

4'33" is pretty cool!

Maybe I'll do half and half.

On the third hand....

Oh wait, I only have two hands.



How generous! You've provided pedestrians with a free concert.

I sometimes find myself singing a silly tune from Die Fledermaus.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0REJ-lCGiKU[/youtube]

I posted it kind-of. I posted a different section from the opera - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TDnv4CMRX0. BTW, the one you posted was totally ruined by the piano! Hm, I don't know if I posted this one yet:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMlck91mFSg[/youtube]

OMG, I just tried to listen again to hear the piano and couldn't even get through it. It hurts my ears!! Ouch! Maybe it was the piano, it was kind of sweet like fake sugar? (Is that a correct way to describe a piano? ) I can't say I have LOVEd every piece in this thread, but I have sort of enjoyed all the experiences even if I wasn't crazy about them (EXCEPT THAT ONE)!

I do like most of them. Either I'm not at all discriminating or you guys have great taste!


edit: PS, did I tell you I bought that opera? MOnteverdi forever!!

LOL, they might wish I would "perform" 4'33" instead. At least I go by pretty quickly!

Last edited by wozeree on 09 Jul 2014, 9:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[quote="wozeree"
OMG, I just tried to listen again to hear the piano and couldn't even get through it. It hurts my ears!! Ouch! Maybe it was the piano, it was kind of sweet like fake sugar? (Is that a correct way to describe a piano? ) I can't say I have LOVEd every piece in this thread, but I have sort of enjoyed all the experiences even if I wasn't crazy about them (EXCEPT THAT ONE)!

I do like most of them. Either I'm not at all discriminating or you guys have great taste!


edit: PS, did I tell you I bought that opera? MOnteverdi forever!![/quote]

YES! My job here is done, I have successfully converted you.

I'd say that we just have great taste .

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxxqrxoSqQc[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWDFshDDJ3I[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF1AfeWwWQA[/youtube]

I have never been able to listen to the finale of Beethoven's Fifth without thinking of this kid since I first saw this video a few years ago. I love it! I think Beethoven would love it too, despite his ornery disposition.

I was trying to find this whole opera with subtitles, no luck so far.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbFOkJMLhhs[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB5BRyE_Wwk[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igqj4lAV6UY[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APLHhhUG26Y&list=PL89qQ8kIoclcHnWInSt88GGDGxks1c1z2[/youtube]

Thank you for sharing this, I hadn't heard this version before. I posted The Academy of Ancient Music's recording of this concerto on page 20.

Voices of Music performed this superbly. Some nuances of the instruments really stand out in this version that aren't as noticeable in the one I posted. Also, in my post, the music is audible but the musicians aren't visible. I enjoyed watching the Voices of Music musicians play out the final scenes of the concerto.



I think so too. I never understood why some writers portray Ludwig as a misanthropic recluse. The "Unsterbliche Geliebte" letter is certainly evidence that he was a soft-hearted, sensitive man.