My Musical Culture
Currently my go-to music is the music of Johannes Brahms. A very well known and master composer. Mainly I’ve been very interested in his symphonies but when it comes to a go-to , it is the 2nd movement from his 4th symphony. I believe Brahms fourth symphony is a true example of symphonic work that shows every technique in symphonic composition up to that point, and his second movement is just an amazing way to express tension in a deep and sustained way. Through a very slow tempos 6/8 meter it allows for a very anticipated flow that will keep the listener on its seats for the big climax, just to gracefully fall back down to the end of the movement. Currently my favorite interpretation is from a recording of the famed conductor, Sergio Celibidache. Really because he and the orchestra make each beat in the the measure perfectly meet and connect with the next that allow it to have a strong structure that somehow flows perfectly. Here is a interpretation done by the Berlin Philharmonic.Typically I wouldn’t deem their interpretations my favorite because personally they are a little TOO perfect for me. But Krill Pentreko does a great job of putting his own identity on it. Allowing you to hear the perfect seams of each piece of the orchestra that I think Brahms intended.
One example of a piece that is personally meaningful to me is the 2nd Movement of Beethovens 7th Symphony . Typically known to be a very sorrowful piece that can connect with just about anyone with a sense of emotion. But for me it was my true entrance into classical music and even composition because listening to it made me want to know how something like this could even be created in the first place. I will always have a very soft spot for this movement and even the entire symphony . Waiting for the day I will be on the podium conducting my own interpretation that can serve the GREAT Beethoven justice !
Below I have what I believe is a top notch performance of this movement. I think Klause Makela captures the dramatic sorrow that Beethoven was trying to portay . Shown through the beginning piano dynamic (soft volume) with the notes intended to be played with a tenuto (sound of the note being fully sustained) being completed meanted with a near silence pianissimo ( very soft) that puts the chef’s kiss on the complex beginning of this monumental piece .
I believe something I don’t connect with is EDM, otherwise known as Electronic Dance Music. Personally I think that I don’t connect just because I am geared in music being made with some sort of control over it. Clearly this music has a very large fan base, probably larger than classical music. But for me, it will just never sit right.
Your first two picks are excellent. I love the depth of emotions orchestral pieces can convey without any words. Both pieces are very moving, but I especially like about 2 minutes in to the second piece when it becomes more intense and powerful. I don't mind EDM but it feels more like background music than something you'd really sit down and listen to.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about Klaus Makela capturing the mood of Beethoven's 7th, second movement. It was interesting to see how little movement he had while conducting in the beginning, while still getting the orchestra to respond accurately. I think another way to put the 'dramatic sorrow' would be feelings of woe. It seems similar to the phrase 'a rollercoaster of emotions.' While the opening of the movement is very contemplative and almost march-like it broadens with thicker textures as it progresses.
ReplyDelete