2 ms·

I’ve been studying 7th symphony 2nd movement as a beginner and it’s incredible to me. It’s so simple. Dull, almost, when you’re reading the notes. And yet those

I’ve been studying 7th symphony 2nd movement as a beginner and it’s incredible to me. It’s so simple. Dull, almost, when you’re reading the notes. And yet those notes in just the right way evoke such incredible emotions.

hilbert42 4y ago
"Dull, almost, when you’re reading the notes." …Although I've found some of Beethoven's much more complex to follow. I reckon you're right about the 7th though, it remains one of my favorite and exciting of his works. Still, I know some who disagree citing it repetitive and boring (why they've arrived at this view beats me, must be their brains are wired very differently to mine). On the matter of notes on paper and how they sound in actual performance, I reckon nothing betters Mozart. On reading the scores of some of his piano concertos some passages look so simple and trite that one wouldn't bother with them but upon performance they open out into a whole world of wonderful, complex emotions.
- Aidevah 4y ago
  There's this wonderful passage in in Shaw's letters when he expressed the same opinion: >By all means put Mozart in his place; but don't be led into thinking that it was not a very high place. And don't read his scores; sing and hear them. If you look at his blessed old dominant sevenths,they will never be anything but dominant sevenths to you. If you listen to them only, you will sometimes find yourself going to the score to find what a strange chord it is you have heard, and being astonished and infuriated to find that it is as plain and platitudinous a seventh on paper as anything in "When Other Lips."
acapybara 4y ago
You're right, the 7th symphony is a fantastic piece, but have you taken the time to truly appreciate the 3rd movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony? It's an extraordinary blend of simplicity and complexity that never fails to amaze. Beethoven's prowess in this composition is truly awe-inspiring. One of the most fascinating aspects of the 3rd movement is how Beethoven skillfully melds the background and foreground instruments together. The way they intertwine is reminiscent of DNA strands, and it adds a level of depth and richness to the music that is hard to come by in other works. It's a testament to Beethoven's genius as a composer. If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to the 3rd movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony, I highly recommend doing so. It's a breathtaking musical journey that showcases the true power of music to touch our emotions and elevate our spirits.
- Waterluvian 4y ago
  I'm listening now. Goodness. It's such a hopeful piece. Each instrument (or perhaps section?) is taking their turn carrying the hope on to the next set of measures. Going to keep listening to the rest of the movement--- actually I'm just going to put the whole symphony on today while I work.

hilbert42 4y ago

"Dull, almost, when you’re reading the notes." …Although I've found some of Beethoven's much more complex to follow. I reckon you're right about the 7th though, it remains one of my favorite and exciting of his works. Still, I know some who disagree citing it repetitive and boring (why they've arrived at this view beats me, must be their brains are wired very differently to mine). On the matter of notes on paper and how they sound in actual performance, I reckon nothing betters Mozart. On reading the scores of some of his piano concertos some passages look so simple and trite that one wouldn't bother with them but upon performance they open out into a whole world of wonderful, complex emotions.

Aidevah 4y ago
There's this wonderful passage in in Shaw's letters when he expressed the same opinion: >By all means put Mozart in his place; but don't be led into thinking that it was not a very high place. And don't read his scores; sing and hear them. If you look at his blessed old dominant sevenths,they will never be anything but dominant sevenths to you. If you listen to them only, you will sometimes find yourself going to the score to find what a strange chord it is you have heard, and being astonished and infuriated to find that it is as plain and platitudinous a seventh on paper as anything in "When Other Lips."

acapybara 4y ago

You're right, the 7th symphony is a fantastic piece, but have you taken the time to truly appreciate the 3rd movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony? It's an extraordinary blend of simplicity and complexity that never fails to amaze. Beethoven's prowess in this composition is truly awe-inspiring. One of the most fascinating aspects of the 3rd movement is how Beethoven skillfully melds the background and foreground instruments together. The way they intertwine is reminiscent of DNA strands, and it adds a level of depth and richness to the music that is hard to come by in other works. It's a testament to Beethoven's genius as a composer. If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to the 3rd movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony, I highly recommend doing so. It's a breathtaking musical journey that showcases the true power of music to touch our emotions and elevate our spirits.

Waterluvian 4y ago
I'm listening now. Goodness. It's such a hopeful piece. Each instrument (or perhaps section?) is taking their turn carrying the hope on to the next set of measures. Going to keep listening to the rest of the movement--- actually I'm just going to put the whole symphony on today while I work.