It’s Sunday as I write this.
And I’m listening to one of my favourite pieces of Classical music. Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5 in D minor, op.47.
This recording features Sir Georg Solti conducting the Berliner Philarmoniker (way, way back in 1993, lol), and it is, in my opinion, amazing.
I was first introduced to this piece in the best way possible: all at once and with no distractions (including talking).
I try to get others sold on it.
I try to rouse Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, or Berlioz listening sessions in my house.
But it’s hard.
And I get it. It feels totally normal to sit down and watch a 45-minute show (or 2-hour movie), but very strange to sit and listen to a 45-minute symphony or concerto.
It feels like, since your eyes are ‘free,’ you could or even should be doing something else as well. (At the very least, talking is on the table.)
But then you lose the magic of the piece. The spell breaks (if it is even ever allowed to be cast). And the dynamic changes in volume and intensity become annoying.
To be honest, I’m not sure where I’m going with this, except to say that if you’ve never ‘got’ classical music, or why people like it, maybe try that?
Imagine it as a meditation if it helps. Or a concentration-improvement exercise.
But try it. I’m sure it’ll be worth your time.
Composed,
James
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