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More Dumb "Classical" Stereotypes

As little as I know about "classical" music (in the Tower Records sense of the word) even I get bored and offended to hear people say "I LOVE "classical" music -- it's so RELAXING!!" Isn't more baroque music is played in coffee shops and dentist offices to "relax" people? I find Stravinsky quite fascinating and wonderful, but certainly not "relaxing." Whatever the distinctions or period confusion I have, I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations for "classical" music that you find relaxing and conducive to concentration and/or happy "classical" music that fills you with energy and optimism. Obviously, a great recording would be an added bonus.
cwlondon
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,365 posts
 
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.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
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.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Make a tape, or burn a CD of the second movement of all of Mozart's Piano concertos.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Sugarbrie /You and I have similar tastes. The slow movements in all Mahler. The slow movements in all Beethovan piano/Mendelssohn, Midsummer Night's Dream,Elgar's Enigma Variations /all great examples of why I love this music/equipment hobby.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Also very relaxing is Wagner's Siegfried Idyll. Wagner wrote this for his wife as a gift when their son was born. He hired musicians to play it on the steps of his Villa on Christmas morining. How romantic!
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