3 ms·
I'm especially partial to three bits of classical music. 1. 20th century classical. I really love Shostakovich, Stravinksy, Bartok, and others who blended "cla
by jon_dahl 17y ago
I'm especially partial to three bits of classical music.
1. 20th century classical. I really love Shostakovich, Stravinksy, Bartok, and others who blended "classical" elements (18th and 19th centuries) with modern ideas. At its best, their music is as rich and enjoyable as Mozart and Beethoven, but unusual and fresh at the same time.
2. Contemporary minimalism. (Contemporary maybe meaning 1960s and on.) Especially Arvo Part, Gorecki, and John Adams. Beautiful, haunting, original, and accessible. If you're looking for recommendations, try Fratres and Tabula Rasa by Arvo Part, or Symphony #3 by Gorecki. Really unbelievable music.
3. Bach. 300 years old, and better than anything that's come since. He rides the tension between simplicity and complexity, beauty and the sublime. If humans are still around in 20,000 years, when they look back to the 1000's, they'll think of Bach and Shakespeare. Recommendations: cello suites, cantatas, St. Matthew's Passion, and everything else.
(edit)
I'm less experienced with visual art, but Kiki Smith definitely deserves a mention. I also enjoy Gerhard Richter, Kandinsky, Chagall, and Klee.
- unalone 17y ago2. Add to that Steve Reich and his Music For 18 Musicians. 3. I've never been particularly fond of Bach. His music's technically incredible, but it doesn't grab at me emotionally.
- jon_dahl 17y agoRE Bach: to each their own. I find counterpoint to be really emotionally powerful, and I think that's the root of what grabs me in Bach.
- warfangle 17y agoI concur with the sentiments re: Bach. I'm much more of a fan of Mozart, though I cannot articulate why.
- unalone 17y agoMozart's got a real sense of fun to his pieces. My reaction to him is the opposite of mine to Bach: I've never heard a Mozart piece that didn't sweep me away. His work is so rich and so full. I just had Chopin recommended to me as far as Romanticism goes. Beethoven's never quite done it for me (he's terrific, but not in the same way that Mozart is IMHO), so I'm hoping Chopin really sparks a love.
- aaronblohowiak 17y agoI have your tastes + Chopin
- hyperbovine 17y agoAnd Berlioz
- jamesbritt 17y agoPandora has expanded its catalog, and I set up a modern minimalist station. I think I started with Nyman, but have been up-voting various pieces by Reich, Glass, Adams, Part. And getting to hear composers I was unaware of.
- jon_dahl 17y agoGreat tip! I'll check it out.