Thread: Most Powerful, Epic, Angry, Intense Classical Recommendations

Originally Posted by Herzeleide

Personally, I think one ought to go in pursuit of music because of its aesthetic quality, rather than treating it like some mood-altering drug.*

For example, I can listen to some happy-clappy-crappy pop music but my reaction is one of discomfort and unhappiness. On the other hand, I can listen to a melancholy piece of classical music and feel edified and generally better. And on the other hand, I can listen to some metal deperately trying to be serious, dark and disturbing, and the result sounds comical.

*Personally I find actual drugs are better for this.

The sad reality of Mahler and Langgaard was their music wasn't trying to be anything. It's just that disturbing on it's own terms.

Originally Posted by JTech82

The sad reality of Mahler and Langgaard was their music wasn't trying to be anything. It's just that disturbing on it's own terms.

The ending (as well as various parts passim) of the last song from Das Lied von der Erde, 'Der Abschied', is actually pretty beatific.

Bartok - Miraculous Mandarin

Originally Posted by Atabey

Bartok - Miraculous Mandarin

I would add Bartok's Wooden Prince to that as well.

Personally, I think one ought to go in pursuit of music because of its aesthetic quality, rather than treating it like some mood-altering drug.*

For example, I can listen to some happy-clappy-crappy pop music but my reaction is one of discomfort and unhappiness. On the other hand, I can listen to a melancholy piece of classical music and feel edified and generally better. And on the other hand, I can listen to some metal deperately trying to be serious, dark and disturbing, and the result sounds comical.

*Personally I find actual drugs are better for this.

That is a quality post.

Originally Posted by Bach

That is a quality post.

Unlike the posts you make.

Personally, I think one ought to go in pursuit of music because of its aesthetic quality, rather than treating it like some mood-altering drug

I think both views (aesthetic and mood-altering) are valid. It's very pleasing to "analyze" the music - hearing all that subtle sounds interweave with one another, creating new patterns, I really enjoy playing in my head some additional variations and sounds when I'm listening to something, playing with rhythm... But it's also great to stop thinking and let the music flow, touching your emotions, feeling "general feeling of greatness", sadness, anxiety, calmness (is there such a word? calmness?...). Anyway, it's hard to explain. I hope you got my point

Music IS like a mind-altering drug for me. There are certain pieces that I like to listen to when I am in a certain mood. And certain music makes me happy, excited, or sad, etc. I would think there is no such thing as people who listen to music NOT for some type of emotional/psychic experience. But I'm sure there are in this forum and I'll be taken to task for saying this, but oh well.

Originally Posted by JTech82

Unlike the posts you make.

Awh, don't be such a silly poo.

Originally Posted by Bach

Awh, don't be such a silly poo.

You're alright Bach. I think the first couple of times I talked with you. I just didn't know how to take you.

You're alright. Sorry for giving you such a hard time.

Originally Posted by nickgray

I think both views (aesthetic and mood-altering) are valid. It's very pleasing to "analyze" the music - hearing all that subtle sounds interweave with one another, creating new patterns, I really enjoy playing in my head some additional variations and sounds when I'm listening to something, playing with rhythm... But it's also great to stop thinking and let the music flow, touching your emotions, feeling "general feeling of greatness", sadness, anxiety, calmness (is there such a word? calmness?...). Anyway, it's hard to explain. I hope you got my point

Point well taken, Nickgray. I agree. It's sometimes best to quit over analysizing something and just listen to on it's own terms. Let the music flow and enjoy it. Quick thinking so much about it.

Don't worry about it man, I won't take the internet too seriously if you don't!

It may please you that I've recently rekindled my love for RVW..

Originally Posted by Bach

Don't worry about it man, I won't take the internet too seriously if you don't!

It may please you that I've recently rekindled my love for RVW..

That's great man. I hope you can find something you can enjoy in Vaughan Williams' music. I know you're not too fond of his symphonies, but perhaps you should give his shorter orchestral works a try. In time, Vaughan Williams' music will grow on you in a big way. It took me forever to appreciate Bruckner, but I finally do now.

What do you own by Vaughan Williams, so maybe I could point you to some more aggressive recordings that you might enjoy more?

Yeah, I guess my problem is that I do get too serious sometimes. I need to lighten up, especially on the internet. In real life, I'm a pretty easy-going fellow, but I do need to just take things a little bit slower and articulate myself a little better.

Yeah, you're right about the symphonies, but I think his chamber music is very beautiful. The Phantasy Quintet and the Six Studies of English Folk Song for cello and piano - really yummy stuff.

Originally Posted by Bach

The Phantasy Quintet and the Six Studies of English Folk Song for cello and piano - really yummy stuff.

The Phantasy Quintet is very, very fine. People tell me the later chamber music is superior, and perhaps it is; but in terms of making me dissolve into a heap of tear-sodden goo, give me the Phantasy Quintet every time. Guaranteed NOT to make anyone angry, in fact.