First of all, I picked up Civilization 4 and it has been consuming vast portions of my time. My only complains so far is the lack of a “Philosophical/Industrial” Civ to flex my Objectivist muscles on, and that Alexander (the Macedonean) is the only leader the Greeks have to offer (Where is Perocles!).
One of the things this game has is a magnificent soundtrack, and when I reached the Industrial Era, it started playing Dvorak’s New World Symphony and I remembered just how much I loved that piece of music, and has re-opened my thrist for classical music, in addition to the modern pop music I love so much.
So I was just wondering what some of the people on this board, who seem to have very good taste in everything else, favourite pieces of classical were. I know there is a “Favourite Music” Thread, but I was wondering specifically about that of a classical variety.
Mine:
The New World Symphony by Dvorak (as mentioned above)
Also, mine! The 7th (A Major) is my favorite work by my favorite composer. It spans the extreme ranges of emotion: from the heights of glorious triumph, down to the depths of tragic despair, then back to the damn near unbelievable glory & thunder of the triumphant finale. Wow.
:o Seems I’ve been mistaken about that for a while! Hmmm, now I have to check out Greig and see what else he’s done… Thanks!
I’ve always considered Grieg to be a kind of “junior-league Tchaikovsky”. Which is NOT an insult! In my estimation, I consider it a compliment! If you check out “Anitra’s Dance” (another of the “Peer Gynt” tunes) you can hear the influence. Also, the A Minor Piano Concerto main theme! That’s why I linked that specific disc: it’s a decent “Greatest Hits” introduction for those unfamiliar with Grieg’s music. You’re welcome!
Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto (The Emporer Concerto)
Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major
Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture”
Copland’s “Appalachian Spring”
Bizet’s First Symphony
For those who are unaware, you can sign up on “Listen Rhapsody” and stream 25 free tracks per month, no obligations of any kind. A good way to sample music.
Bach’s Cello Suite no. 1 (prelude) was currently featured in Master and Commander. Love it!
Strauss’s “Emperor’s Waltz” always makes me dance.
Vivaldi’s Concerto for 2 Trumpets in C Major is lively and upbeat.
Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” is wonderfully majestic.
Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” is a very quick and light piece.
Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” paints a wonderful story.
Stravinsky’s Firebird suite is also a favorite of mine.
And the possibly-authored-by Jeremiah Clarke, “Trumpet Voluntary” is positively regal and still quite cheery.
Also cello suites (my favorite instrument followed closely by brass) and just about everything by Bach that’s not exclusively on the organ (the Brandenburg Concerto’s (no. 3 esp) come to mind)
Liszt was a little too much “sound” for me. While technically amazing, just too many notes in a small amount of space. Much like speed metal drumming, in my mind. Have to respect that kind of talent, though.
Grieg, “In the Hall of the Mountain King” (It’s funny that just a simple repeated line could be so INTERESTING)
Indeed… have you listened to Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero”? The same melody is relentlessly repeated, over and over, with harmonics and orchestration providing variety and color. It opens with a (barely audible) snare drum and flute, and finishes with the entire orchestra a blazin’ away full-bore-- all under perfect control by the tempo and the still-repeating snare drum. A masterfully constructed piece.
And a few favorites:
Beethoven’s 9th (in no other art or endevor has any man come so close to representing true, exalted Joy)
Seems I’ve been mistaken about that for a while! Hmmm, now I have to check out Greig and see what else he’s done… Thanks!
In my estimation, I consider it a compliment! If you check out “Anitra’s Dance” (another of the “Peer Gynt” tunes) you can hear the influence. Also, the A Minor Piano Concerto main theme! That’s why I linked that specific disc: it’s a decent “Greatest Hits” introduction for those unfamiliar with Grieg’s music. You’re welcome!