Appearance over Performance

 Classical Music

YouTube

As I watch hours of Classical Music on YouTube, some things become apparent.

One of the biggest eye-catchers is that many of the female pianists from Asia, prefer low-cut dresses, to the more elegant and refined ladies of the West. I know it is a question for the person to answer, but it does ask the question, which is more important, the music or the lady's allure?

Another off putting thing, for me, occured during a Marta Algerich concert. One of the violinists had dyed his hair bright orange, that put me off immediately

What music do i play for stress relief?

 The cult of Personality

Classical Music

As I have grown older, the music I use for stress relief has changed radically. Whereas years ago, I would blast out either Alice Cooper, or Motorhead, now I calm down with Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1.

There are several versions on YouTube I listen to, while I admit to being a fan of the piece, I have no female pianist I enjoy watching more than any other playing it.

What I enjoy is the sweeping piano opening,  the chords remind me of the sea in a storm, with the wind in my face

The cult of Personality

 Classical Music

                                                Reading list

To some extent, most of us are involved in the cult of personality, myself included, whether it is in music, films, or reading, we all have our favourites.

Some listen to their favourite performers, others will listen to their favoutite pice of music, no matter who plays it. One of my favourite pieces of music is Der Wanderer  by Franz Schubert. This piece has an emotional attachment for me, it was one of the first pieces of classical music bought for me, by a late aunt, I enjoy the piece, no matter who plays it.

I also like music by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev,Shostakovich, Bizet, Weber, and Brahms to mention a few of my favourite composers. I am not ra fan of Mozart or Beethoven. Though I do enjoy some of their works.