Ignorance of classical music - does it matter?

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  • Wheels of Cheese

    #91
    As someone who WAS ignorant of classical music until well into his 30s, I find this discussion especially interesting. I didn't necessarily feel that I lacked anything per se, but I did feel that there was a huge field of human endeavour, enjoyed by many intelligent people, that I had no understanding off, or natural inclination towards. Having dipped my toe in, I quickly became obsessed. In cultural terms (rather than personal) I think the great unexplored benefit of classical music is that it forces a degree of concentration (of slowing down and focussing) that is absent in most other fields of endeavour, and certainly in the general aspirations of our culture.

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    • Serial_Apologist
      Full Member
      • Dec 2010
      • 37559

      #92
      Originally posted by Wheels of Cheese View Post
      As someone who WAS ignorant of classical music until well into his 30s, I find this discussion especially interesting. I didn't necessarily feel that I lacked anything per se, but I did feel that there was a huge field of human endeavour, enjoyed by many intelligent people, that I had no understanding off, or natural inclination towards. Having dipped my toe in, I quickly became obsessed. In cultural terms (rather than personal) I think the great unexplored benefit of classical music is that it forces a degree of concentration (of slowing down and focussing) that is absent in most other fields of endeavour, and certainly in the general aspirations of our culture.
      Oh I think its as much personal as cultural, WoC, maybe even a personal precondition of a much needed kind of cultural change. Slowing down and concentrating is the Buddhist way of spiritual observation, all maybe that's left of original religious practices, though it could be argued that the role of ritual is that of focussing the attention.

      In Zen Buddhism the attention to the moment applied in meditation (za zen) is recommended for as many of the other everday activities one is engaged in. As a Zen master has said: "Spirituality does not reside in thinking of God while peeling the potatoes; it consists in peeling the potatoes".

      Close attention to music, whether playing or listening to it, is thus but one possible way.

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      • salymap
        Late member
        • Nov 2010
        • 5969

        #93
        Originally posted by Serial_Apologist View Post
        Oh I didn't hear anything more advanced than Bartok PC No 3 until I was at least 16, GG (ie. in 1961) Fwir "Le Marteau" was first broadcast in the UK in 1964. Richard Rodney Bennett and Cornelius Cardew in the group. I taped a re-broadcast of that original broadcast a few years ago.
        Watch it S_A. You mention your age almost as much as I do mine.

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        • Bryn
          Banned
          • Mar 2007
          • 24688

          #94
          Are you sure RRB was involved? It was the first Music In Our Time Invitation Concert, and was directed by John Carewe. Cardew, whose main instruments were piano and 'cello, actually learned to play the guitar specifically for that performance. I recall listening to a repeat broadcast on a transistor radio one evening during my AOSB back in mid to late '60s. I got out of the Army very shortly after that. Sorry if this gives and impression of deja vu.

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          • Serial_Apologist
            Full Member
            • Dec 2010
            • 37559

            #95
            Originally posted by salymap View Post
            Watch it S_A. You mention your age almost as much as I do mine.
            Am I bovvered???

            Lauren thinks Beyonce is well 'bing bing' in this free clip from the Catherine Tate Show. She's not bothered, though. Another hilarious impression from Cathe...


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            • heliocentric

              #96
              Originally posted by Bryn View Post
              I recall listening to a repeat broadcast on a transistor radio one evening during my AOSB back in mid to late '60s. I got out of the Army very shortly after that.
              Were you invalided out for listening to Boulez?

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              • Hornspieler
                Late Member
                • Sep 2012
                • 1847

                #97
                Originally posted by heliocentric View Post
                Were you invalided out for listening to Boulez?

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                • Bryn
                  Banned
                  • Mar 2007
                  • 24688

                  #98
                  Originally posted by heliocentric View Post
                  Were you invalided out for listening to Boulez?
                  No, I was on an S-type engagement and seized the opportunity of a free (and honourable ) discharge from the Army. I had been tipped off that the trick was to lead your allocated squad over the assault course, rather than send the 2IC over first and follow up the rear. My essay on army traditions was not exactly complimentary, either.

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                  • heliocentric

                    #99
                    Originally posted by Bryn View Post
                    an S-type engagement (...) send the 2IC over first
                    That means very little to me but well done. Is a recording of that broadcast performance floating around anywhere?

                    Comment

                    • Bryn
                      Banned
                      • Mar 2007
                      • 24688

                      Originally posted by heliocentric View Post
                      That means very little to me but well done. Is a recording of that broadcast performance floating around anywhere?
                      2IC = second in charge

                      I did have a cassette of an anniversary re-broadcast, but it has gone missing. As it was the very first Music In Our Time Invitation Concert, I feel sure there must be a copy in the Radio 3 archive. There again, perhaps someone hear has a recording of it.
                      Last edited by Bryn; 25-09-12, 17:51. Reason: Typo

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                      • Serial_Apologist
                        Full Member
                        • Dec 2010
                        • 37559

                        Originally posted by Bryn View Post
                        2IC = second in charge

                        I did have a cassette of an anniversary re-broadcast, but it has gone missing. As I was the very first Music In Our Time Invitation Concert, I feel sure there must be a copy in the Radio 3 archive. There again, perhaps someone hear has a recording of it.
                        If we're still talking the '64 Boulez Marteau re-broadcast, I have it on cassette.

                        Comment

                        • Bryn
                          Banned
                          • Mar 2007
                          • 24688

                          Originally posted by Serial_Apologist View Post
                          If we're still talking the '64 Boulez Marteau re-broadcast, I have it on cassette.
                          We are indeed. The creation and making available of a FLAC or high data rate mp3/m4a of that would be most welcome, I feel sure.

                          Comment

                          • Serial_Apologist
                            Full Member
                            • Dec 2010
                            • 37559

                            Originally posted by Bryn View Post
                            We are indeed. The creation and making available of a FLAC or high data rate mp3/m4a of that would be most welcome, I feel sure.
                            Aaaagh - don't have the means unfortunately, Bryn. Should've just kept me trap shut.

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                            • heliocentric

                              Damn. Still, I do have four other recordings of it so I guess I'll manage (never to be conscripted).

                              Comment

                              • LeMartinPecheur
                                Full Member
                                • Apr 2007
                                • 4717

                                Originally posted by Bryn View Post
                                2IC = second in charge
                                Second in command, surely?

                                Or aren't we allowed to use such fascist language any more??
                                I keep hitting the Escape key, but I'm still here!

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