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.
Ignorance of classical music - does it matter?
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Wheels of Cheese
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Originally posted by Wheels of Cheese View PostAs 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.
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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Originally posted by Serial_Apologist View PostOh 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.
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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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Originally posted by salymap View PostWatch it S_A. You mention your age almost as much as I do mine.
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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Originally posted by heliocentric View PostWere you invalided out for listening to Boulez?
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Originally posted by heliocentric View PostThat means very little to me but well done. Is a recording of that broadcast performance floating around anywhere?
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.
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Originally posted by Bryn View Post2IC = 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.
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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).
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