During the recent Paris Commune anniversary celebration it dawned on me that I happened to be hearing Joseph Haydn's Symphony, La Reine. It is called La Reine due to its being a favorite of Marie Antoinette. La Reine means (I have read) The Queen in French. We all know music is an international language that can serve to unite disparate elements and reinforce pre-existing prejudices. Was this piece played in mockery of the nobility or because it is a compelling work? Well who knows... both work, really. As far as I'm concerned they do anyway. Music is something else!
Re: The nature of music
Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:31 am
by youkrst
a hearty amen to that my brother, AMEN!
ahhhh music, sweet music...
an endless fascinating mystery, so much could be said
I keep meaning to check out Jeff Beck. I'm currently reading a book on the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. It is something else how music (the arts in general) had to be approved by the state. In addition to obvious blunders (lyrics critical of Stalin during Stalin's time say) there is the more abstract misteps such as the overuse of discordant tones which to the censors smacked of counter-revolutionary intent. The resulting mess resulted in actual abstract revolt. The most well-known being the case of Dmitri Shostakovish who when told to inform his star pupil that she was heading down a mistaken path dutifully told her, I encourage you to continue down your mistaken path.
Re: The nature of music
Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 7:10 am
by youkrst
classic
Re: The nature of music
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 4:41 am
by Kevin
Giacinto Scelsi constructed his quattro pezzi per orchestra around single notes.
classic