More Dumb "Classical" Stereotypes

Most Baroque period music is relaxing, Pachebel Canon for those comotose moments, Handel’s Water Music, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Bach, too many to name, Vivaldi, Mandolin Concerti (VERY relaxing). For uplifting without feeling the need to concentrate, but you can without penalty if you want, try a Mozart piano concerto maybe #20 or 21 or 24, you get the picture. But then again maybe I'm prejudiced. With Mozart you can listen as background music but also to the unforced, elegant depth of his music and never tire of the freshness that it evokes upon repeated listening. Alfred Brendel does it right for me.

I find the above posts, particularly Tubegroover's, to be excellent recommendations. I might add for an uplifting Baroque piece Bach's Brandenberg Concertos, particularly Nos. 4 and 6. Although it's not a great recording, the Archiv recording with Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert is my favorite performance of it, very upbeat and well-played. Also, check out the Correlli Concerti Grossi, with McGeagan and the Philhamonia Baroque on Harmonia Mundi--uplifting at times, relaxing at others, and a superior Peter McGrath recording, if I remember. Like Tubegroover, I find I can either relax to Mozart or get engrossed in it--it's funny how I might not initially feel like listening to Mozart, but once I start I'll spend the night listening to his music. I find it almost impossible to listen to Bach as background music, though, as it fascinates me and I wind up following all the musical lines. Another suggestion on the Suppe overtures would be the Mercury recording with Paray and the Detroit Symphony, I think, a very dynamic and well-recorded performance, though a little bright, as are many of the Mercs.

I just listened to disc two of the Brandenburgh Concertos 4-6 and agree that it is not background music. It is not heavy and brash but it is very involving and I am worn out. I have had it for a couple of months now but never gave it a play. It will get more action now.

Reprince so far as Bach being relaxing I do find the following pieces relaxing "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring and Air on a G String among them. But overall your right Bach demands attention. Another beautiful Bach piece is Cantata #140 which is probably his most famous but it sure isn't background music. Thanks for the recommendation on the Correlli Concerti Grossi, I'll be sure to pick up a copy. Another recommendation with mostly Bach is Yo Yo Ma's Simply Baroque on Sony Bach and Boccherini. The Cello is soooo soothing. I think this album fits the bill.

Make a tape, or burn a CD of the second movement of all of Mozart's Piano concertos.