Does classical music inspire you? In what ways? Does it help you to write or create the right mood for reading?
Which composers and pieces of music do you find sublime?
Do certain composers or pieces remind you of certain authors or books? For example, Alain Fournier's Le Grand Meaulnes is always associated for me with Debussy. It has a similar 'feel'.

(This topic was originally in the group's introductory blurb but I have changed that in an attempt to better reflect our inclusive nature!)

Music inspires me to write music. =D

It's also seems to afford a great deal of meaning and purpose to life.

As regards writing: no, it's usually the other way around, and although I do try to make some of my (very modest) poetry 'musical', it's nothing compared to Gerard Manley Hopkins.

There are many classical music pieces that I find truly sublime. The first that come to mind are, Offenbach's, Les Contes d'Hoffmann, which I find sweet yet poignant.

And every time I hear Dvorak's Symphony no. 9 in D Major, I stop dead in my tracks. When I learned long ago that Goin' Home, was set to the melody line, and having sung it, I knew right then and there that when the time came, I wanted to have it sung at my funeral!

I also truly enjoy Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. I have an album that features many performing artists interpretation of this piece, so I can listen to it for over an hour in pure bliss.

The other piece I find mesmerizing is Benjamin Britten's Requiem Mass in B minor. I had the pleasure of hearing my twin sister perform it in the Boston Symphony Hall with the Boston Symphony Chorus under the direction of John Oliver, and Seiji Ozawa who conducted the Boston Symphony. It was so touching that I couldn't stop the tears.

Lovely to see you commenting here, KSR!

I said this somewhere else (repeating myself already - tsk) but do you know Agnus Dei, Barber's choral arrangement of the Adagio? To me it is even more beautiful and moving - really sublime. One of our members - James - sang in a performance of it quite recently, I believe.

It may have been mentioned on the recommended recordings topic we had here that got lost in the workings somewhere.

I will see if I can find a youtube video or something of Agnus Dei.

I must admit I barely know Dvorak apart from the New World Symphony and Offenbach even less - apart from the Galop from Orpheus in the Underworld, of course. ;) I must look them up.

I'm still taken by the wonders of the internet sometimes. Once I would have had to wait until I could go to a good record shop and ask nicely if I could hear some of the music or composer I was interested in. And if I wanted to find out more I'd have to order a book from the local library!

Thank you for bringing Agnus Dei to my attention, Rita! I hadn't heard of it. I'm going to hop over to YouTube right now to have a look-see, so no need to trouble yourself. So kind of you to offer!

I remember those days of having to "sample" music in a record shop. Things sure have changed!

Thanks for letting me know about this group. I'm enjoying it already. By the way, my husband and I are going to be in Edinburgh at the end of March / early April. Any ideas what the weather is like at that time of year?

Well, the weather all over the British Isles is changeable to say the least but I suggest you take a warm coat! It might be hot and sunny. It might be very cold and windy.

Did you find a vid on youtube?

Thanks, Rita, for telling me about this group and inviting me to join it.

I love all kinds of music...with the exception of certain misogynous rap songs. (See my post on Stop Violence Against Women.)

Classical music has a special place in my heart.

There are countless musical works that really inspire me...I'd like to mention three.

Beethoven's Sixth Symphony (Pastoral) I love to listen to this with my eyes closed. In the opening movement I see shades of green, shimmering blue lakes, and majestic trees. The storm movement is stirring, and the powerful closing movement speaks of hope and peace and triumph.

Pines of Rome. The building climax (kind of like Bolero) at the end I think is genius!

Rhapsody in Blue. Tin Pan Ally meets the concert hall. Gershwin had already conquered the world of popular music. This piece proved that he could write more complex, "serious" works as well. The opening clarinet passage is classic. And what a uniquely "American" feel this work has.

--John

Hello Everyone!

How I am enjoying your latest comments!

I, like John love all kinds of music and all kinds of music help me to write. At this moment I am listening to Gabriel Faure's Pavane, I have just lstened to Sir Edward Elgar's Chanson de Matin and they both make me want to scribble on...there's not much that doesn't !

Anyway, on I get!

Ms Kingworth, you will adore Edinburgh, it is one of my favourite Cities in all the world!

Carrie

I always feel like I’ve walked up and down a hill when I’ve listened to the Sorcerer's Apprentice. Good mental workout, I just love it. Also Libiamo ne' lieti calici, the Drinking song from La Traviata cheers me up no end.

Dean