Upcheering music

[richardfinegold]

Of several, I think my own most potent choice is JSB Goldberg Variations - played by Beatrice Rana.

Good choice. I have some other favorites, but the Goldbergs are a very consoling piece of music, and Rana is excellent. Beethoven Op.111 is another

[Serial_Apologist]

Oh dear - hard for me to say, given that my classical choice or choices would probably be totally different tomorrow!

Provisionally, then, either Stravinsky's Petruschka, Casella's Concerto for Orchestra or Bartok's Piano Concerto No 2 to inspire elation; Poulenc's Le bal masqué for irrrepressible laughs; and Vaughan Williams's Fifth Symphony or Serenade to Music for consolation.

Otherwise I can think of innumerable jazz recordings.

[gurnemanz]

Papagena and Papageno's joy at having discovered each other will surely cheer anyone up, especially in this delightful video with Huw Montague Rendall & Elisabeth Boudreault

[smittims]

The responses to this thread have reminded me that I've always found John Ireland's piano pieces consoling. Unlike any oher music, I think, they are like a friend taking you by the arm and confiding in you. The ultimate in this respect is the Prelude in E flat; I think that would be a Desert Island disc for me,.

[kernelbogey]

Nor would I. That's not the way I listen to music. Like FF I'm of a more equable disposition, especially since retirement, and rarely feel 'down'. Having said that, the troubles of the world are put into perspective by listening to Bach and Bruckner continues to provide comfort and joy.

I don't remember who it was that said this, although I think it was a guest on Private Passions some time ago: that Bach somehow takes the world apart and then puts it back together again.

[kernelbogey]

Thank you kernelbogey for starting this wonderful thread.

Good to read your posts again, Bella.

[kernelbogey]

Papagena and Papageno's joy at having discovered each other will surely cheer anyone up, especially in this delightful video with Huw Montague Rendall & Elisabeth Boudreault

That video of this duet: oh what joy!

[LMcD]

The opening of Schumann's 3rd Symphony ('Rhenish')

[Petrushka]

I don't remember who it was that said this, although I think it was a guest on Private Passions some time ago: that Bach somehow takes the world apart and then puts it back together again.

I've not heard that before, nor listen to Private Passions, but it definitely resonates with me.

[french frank]

Having said that, the troubles of the world are put into perspective by listening to Bach and Bruckner continues to provide comfort and joy.

It reminds me also about what Pascal said about all the troubles of mankind stemming from the inability to sit quietly in a room. Sitting quietly and listening to Bach can put all these troubles into perspective. But listening quietly would be the important point for me - not having music on in the background while doing/thinking about something else. People have surely never been 'busier', multi-tasking, checking mobiles in order to see if there is anything to check ... no wonder attention spans grow shorter.

[Rolmill]

Bizet Symphony in C

[Sir Velo]

Bizet Symphony in C

:

Few things more life enhancing than a Weber overture: Oberon has eveything one could want to lift the spirits on a dank, windswept morn.

[kernelbogey]

:

Few things more life enhancing than a Weber overture: Oberon has eveything one could want to lift the spirits on a dank, windswept morn.

Aah yes: I heard Der Freischütz Overture the other day, which has always been a favourite since it was the first orchestral music I had ever heard live. The Bournemouth Symphony (including Hornspieler, late of these threads) under Charles Groves. I then bought a 45 ep of it, with the overture split over two sides. Invariably, hearing it now, I'm waiting for the turnover moment as we come up to it!

[smittims]

Alan Civil used to tell a delightful anecdote about the famous opening of the Oberon overture. In his RPO days he was sometimes frustrated by Sir Thomas Beecham's habit of fussing about ., with spectacles etc. just before giving the downbeat , so one day Civil jumped the gun and started without him.

[Sir Velo]

The Bartered Bride Overture and Furiant never fail to raise the spirits. The VPO under the baton of James Levine give one of the most unbuttoned performances.

Pique Dame Overture as performed by the VPO under the Dude in 2017; the one bright spot on an otherwise dismal day.