Any classical music gurus here?

[dolson]

Are any of you guys big into classical music? I ask because I have always wanted to listen to some, but most of what I find is too upbeat and happy and fluttery for my tastes... If that makes sense. The musician in me appreciates it all, but it's simply not what I want to listen to.

What I like is the "depressing" or sad-sounding music, or thunderous, ominous-sounding stuff. Although it doesn't make me depressed, for whatever reason, I've always preferred that sound. It resonates with me in a way that happy music doesn't, and this is across every genre.

I looked a bit several times in the past, trying to find what I'm looking for, but a lot of the videos on YouTube say things like, whatever, top 10 thunderous classical music pieces, and then it's all popular names and the stuff is too happy and doesn't sound thunderous or sad.

What I'm thinking is it will have to have a lot of bassy brass, low-tuned timpani, and lots of crash cymbals.. Or lots of strings. Or a combination.

Here, in this video, the intro is about as happy as I like (after the intro, it turns into metal music, so just be warned):

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I could deal with a bunch of music that sounded similar to this, or better. If you know your stuff, I am looking for your expertise! I don't know if anyone can help me out, but I hope so.

[tokenuser]

Edvard Grieg - Hall of the Mountain King

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Much of Grieg's work is in a similar vein.

I like Wagner as well.

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Both Wagner and Grieg are similar musically (Romantic period - early 1800's ... same as Beethoven and Chopin, but darker and more foreboding).

[dolson]

Thanks for those suggestions. I have seen them before, as they are generally the more popular and well-known/recommended stuff when I ask about this. But my problems with them are several. I know I am being picky, but this is why I've asked for help.. The first song has been used to death in a lot of cartoons and movies and whatever. I don't like the sound of plucked notes on these string instruments, and the crashes are too frequent and overall the notes are too short.

The second one I also associate with cartoons thanks to Elmer Fudd/Bugs Bunny. The underlying lower notes aren't too bad, until that upbeat swing of "dun dundun duuunnnn!!!" if you know what I mean, but the higher pitched notes bother me, and the vocals in there bother me too. I'm not big on operatic type voices, especially high-pitched (sorry if my terminology is all wrong). Neither song sound "dark" enough for me, to be honest. I've tried to look past the associations I make, but it's really hard and even if I try, I still don't like them.

Like I said, I know I'm picky. I do know the music I am after exists. I remember attending a school band concert when I was in high school, and the band played some amazing stuff. In hindsight, I should have gone back and asked them what it was they were playing because it blew me away, but that opporunity was passed up and I regret that. On top of that, I could probably think of several video games or movies with soundtracks similar to what I like. Some of the stuff from Howard Shore, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, for example. I do own one of those soundtrack CDs (I assume there are others). God of War has pretty decent music, but again, the problem I have with soundtracks is the associations/themes that are clearly identifiable. I'd like more, but not stuff that I would associate with a particular movie/game/TV show.

[tsmith15]

Mozart's Requiem, obviously.

[tokenuser]

They are popular because they are easily "accessible". Meaning that they have an appeal to a wider audience. Both were created for "popular" performances - opera/operetta, but are indicative of the style of the composers.

So, you identify a composer who you like and look at their other works. Hall of the Mountain King is part of the Peer Gynt suite, but is the most recognised piece. You might prefer the others.

Then start exploring. Not all classical is performed by a Symphony Orchestra.

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I love Apocalyptica ... and I am definitely not into metal. But it highlights that the same the composition with different orchestration gives a completely different tone. So its not just about the composer, its about the performer as well.

For the record - as much as I like the Fudd/Bunny "Kill Da Waaabbbbittttt" cartoons, Ride of the Valkyries is music I associate with Apocalyse Now.

Anyway - if you find a musical style that you like classically, look for compilation albums. They often have similar composers.

From Grieg and Wagner, you might go explore the works of Tchaikovsky. I hate The Nutcracker, but love the 1812 Overture - he had a lot of work betwen those two moods. Franz Liszt is great too. But popular culture has co-opted so much classical music for cinema/TV/advertising that its become tainted.

Something to try, is going to Youtube, put in a composer who you sorta like, then go exploring the recommended/related content that pops up on the right hand side.

Classical music has a lot of personal preferences - recommendations are hard. I'd seriously encourage you to go exploring.

[icu]

I gotcha dawg Hector Berlioz - Symphonie fantastique (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonie_fantastique)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTDbkp4HHs8
(Links to the other movements and info in the video description)

I don't know if this is what you are looking for - not an aficionado by any means, but I remember this being of the few pieces that really moved me (not that I've given others a fair chance). I remember seeking it out after learning about it in a course and really digging it. Definitely dark themes here (if you read what it was written about it make sense) - darker as it goes on.

[dolson]

@tokenuser

I thought I had mentioned that I did go "exploring" on YouTube, but most people on there post the same things. It's very hard to find precisely what I'm after. In the past, I bought classical music compilation CDs, even one that was clearly labeled something like "the original heavy metal" or whatever, and it had the songs you've posted on it, and more. There were really only maybe two or three tracks I found that I didn't mind.

Of all of my YouTube exploring, I stumbled upon The Rite of Spring, sections of which ranged from enjoyable to tolerable, but the backstory was more interesting to read about.

Another was the Miraculous Mandarin... some parts were ok, but I don't like a lot of woodwinds and I don't like a lot of the sliding between notes on brass. But it was ok.

I do have some other leads that I am trying to track down, but YouTube doesn't have samples of them, so it's kinda tough. Like I said, they seem to only have the "popular" stuff.

The reason I asked for help was precisely because my own explorations have largely gone unfruitful. I will keep looking, though... But my problem is, when someone says "Wagner" then I look up some Wagner pieces and don't like any of them - how many pieces of music do I have to hear by one composer before giving up? I get that classical music will vary by composer and from piece to piece. It's not like, say, Nirvana, where all the songs are similar enough and I can't think of one I don't like. That would be too easy.

Apocalyptica I have been familiar with for many years, due to their Metallica covers, and while I respect the talent, it's too barebones for me to listen to on a regular basis. I need the drums and brass.

@icu, tsmith - Thanks for the suggestions, will check those out too, though I suspect I have heard the Mozart at least.

[tokenuser]

Classical music is tough.

We can throw out music that we like - but if its not your taste, its not your taste. People forget that, just like today, there were a ton of composers out there ... but just like today's top 40, most had their minor "hit" and then were forgotten.

Modern orchestras and symphonies play "best of" selections because that is what people want to hear, so finding obscure recordings ranges from difficult to impossible.

I'd still encourage you to just click though links in Youtube. You don't need to listen to the whole thing, just get a feel for it, then look for a different composer.

Personally, I like orchestral arrangements, but don't necessarily like classical music. Two of my favourite CDs are ENZSO - Split Enz recorded with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (saw them touring back in 97 - amazing). Sting is about to do a similar tour with the Royal Philharmonic (eagerly waiting a CD of that one to be released). Other artists do it as well. Its not classical , but it is performed with an orchestra.

Something that might work for you is Pandora. Find a classical music channel on there as well - some of the music played is a little more obscure. Ditto the "music" channels cable TV providers have. You need exposure to different types so you can narrow down the selections.

[trunolimit]

Liking this thread. It's nice to take a break from mainstream music.

I personally like orchestrated music with sweet guitar shreds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj7HE35aeH0&feature=related

why don't you try ocremix.org video game songs make epic orchestrated music. here is one of my favorites off the site.

http://ocrmirror.iiens.net/files/music/remixes/Zelda_3_TheDarknessAndTheLight_OC_ReMix.mp3

[jay_ray]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MYzkBiJn5Y
Air on the G-string - Bach

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck&feature=related
Moonlight Sonata - Beethoven

A couple of my favourites.

[trunolimit]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqBE_gKOx4A&feature=related

modern take on an old classic.

[tokenuser]

What defines classical music?

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A string section? (Kashmir - performed by London Symphony)

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Instrumentation /w no vocals?

[jabber]

One of my favorite pieces is Sergei Rachmaninov's "Prelude Op. 3 No. 2 in C-Sharp Minor". He wrote it for piano but it has been adapted for orchestra as well. You used the word ominous and that was the first word that came to mind when I first heard this piece a year ago. When I listen to it, I picture a killer creeping through a foggy mid-nineteenth century night, hunting for a victim.

The first link below is the piano solo, the second is a chamber orchestra.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtuMVBLEWJU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YUwmrcuEPk


I also very much enjoy Hans Zimmer's "Journey to the Line". I know it isn't classical music, but it is orchestral. Unfortunately, it was used in the trailer for "Pearl Harbor" so you may already associate it with that dreadful movie. I find this piece to be melancholy and hopeless so it may fulfill your "sad" requirement if you aren't already familiar with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE5tsPjkzHk

[dolson]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

When I said "classical music" I just meant orchestral, I suppose. I am never really good with the technical terms side of things.

Some parts of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 are what I am looking for. The louder parts. I am still looking around and will check out all the stuff you guys posted. But I am not looking for a hybrid with metal guitars or whatever; I can get that out of bands like Metallica (one live album, anyhow), Saviour Machine, and Red and whatnot.

@Jay_Ray, Moonlight Sonata will never be associated with something sad for me... See, my wife walked down the isle to it at our wedding, shortly after Storybook Love (yup, from The Princess Bride) was played. We're odd, I know.

@Jabber, that last one you posted is nice. It sounds like sadness and triumph mixed into one, or something. I haven't watched Pearl Harbor (yet, I plan to), and haven't seen trailers.

[jabber]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

@Jabber, that last one you posted is nice. It sounds like sadness and triumph mixed into one, or something. I haven't watched Pearl Harbor (yet, I plan to), and haven't seen trailers.

I'm glad you liked it. That piece is actually from Zimmer's score to "The Thin Red Line", which is a far superior movie than "Pearl Harbor" in my opinion, though it is very slowly paced. He wrote the score for both. He is quite capable of writing that triumphant yet mournful music and is responsible for some of my favorite film scores: The Rock, Gladiator, The Thin Red Line. I dig his style.

[cashbailey]

Yeah, that piece from THE THIN RED LINE is superb.

I like some classical. Mainly the more melodic adagio stuff. And I happen to think that the second movement of Rachmaninov's 'Piano Concerto No. 2' is the single greatest piece of music ever composed.

[jay_ray]

@Jay_Ray, Moonlight Sonata will never be associated with something sad for me... See, my wife walked down the isle to it at our wedding, shortly after Storybook Love (yup, from The Princess Bride) was played. We're odd, I know.

You are right, very odd indeed :p

[trunolimit]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

But I am not looking for a hybrid with metal guitars or whatever; I can get that out of bands like Metallica (one live album, anyhow), Saviour Machine, and Red and what not

:( I thought it was cool.

That

[trunolimit]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

But I am not looking for a hybrid with metal guitars or whatever; I can get that out of bands like Metallica (one live album, anyhow), Saviour Machine, and Red and what not

:( I thought it was cool.

That guy who did the requiem for a dream song is good. Check him out too.

[jabber]

:( I thought it was cool.

That guy who did the requiem for a dream song is good. Check him out too.

Clint Mansell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE-rD8vcY4U&feature=related

He also wrote the score for last year's "Moon", another of my favorite film scores.

[tsmith15]

Adagio for Strings, which is featured in Platoon, is really moving:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV3SHBFyDZM

Also with many techno remixes of it, lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRqndwCqa5g

[tokenuser]

O Fortuna

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Remix ...

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I have the Apothesis version on CD. Awesome cranked up in the car (immersive)

[cashbailey]

Adagio for Strings, which is featured in Platoon, is really moving:

Also with many techno remixes of it, lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRqndwCqa5g

Ugh!! That's like putting a 'Who Farted' bumper sticker on a Porsche.

But it's all down to personal taste, I guess.

[trunolimit]

there is this pretty cool list I came across while needing some background music while doing some pretty boring repetitive work.

http://www.kickassclassical.com/classical-music-popular-famous-best-top-100-list.html

I like it because it has pretty it describes and lets you sample the songs directly on the page.

[heyseuss]

How am I not part of this thread already ? Been playing classical piano since I could support my spine at the keys. Don't even know where to start, although Dolson doesn't seem to visit anymore so the original question is moot.

TFrom Grieg and Wagner, you might go explore the works of Tchaikovsky. I hate The Nutcracker, but love the 1812 Overture - he had a lot of work betwen those two moods.

1812 Overture was my first owned record. Thanks Mom, way to tap into what 8 yr old boys are all about.

Franz Liszt is great too.

Quite gorgeous stuff sometimes.


I'm coming back to this thread.

[trunolimit]

there is this pretty cool list I came across while needing some background music while doing some pretty boring repetitive work.

http://www.kickassclassical.com/classical-music-popular-famous-best-top-100-list.html

I like it because it has pretty it describes and lets you sample the songs directly on the page.

"I like it because it has pretty"? I should proof read more.

[heyseuss]

"I like it because it has pretty"? I should proof read more.

Pretty funny though.

"So, Mr.Ebert, what did you think of Avatar ? "
" IT HAS PRETTY !!! "

Sounds like Amy Smart in 'Just Friends', saying, " I'm making gingerbread cookies !!"

[damnedeyez]

Well, it's classical related but not really related to the original intent but...

I've been in love with Yuja Wang's fingers for awhile now.


...oddly, I have a crapton of classical music, but rarely remember the name of the songs I like. Between Looney Tunes cartoons and playing in school band for 8 years, it's always amusing hearing something familiar.

[dolson]

How am I not part of this thread already ? Been playing classical piano since I could support my spine at the keys. Don't even know where to start, although Dolson doesn't seem to visit anymore so the original question is moot.

OR DOES HE