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adult children, classical, marching band, masterpieces, music, orchestra, orchestral music, performing arts, symphony
From childhood through maturity, I somehow missed an appreciation for classical music. I grew up against a rock ‘n roll landscape, danced my way through the disco era and believed pop songs defined love. I have no ear for country music except when it crosses over to mainstream. Rap is fun to listen to, and I do enjoy live jazz though it’s not typically my first choice. I thought of classical as slow, boring and even depressing; conjuring up images of aged elitists. So it is surprising that my son chose this as his musical direction; marching band to rock band to symphony orchestra.
Over the years, as a proud mom, I attended the music conservatory concerts, craning my neck to see him past the many musicians on stage, frustrated that photos were not permitted during the performance, and irritated when the conductor blocked my view. Then my son joined an orchestra, and as I sat listening and watching these professionals perform, a strange thing happened. I became aware that I was enraptured, not just because of my favorite percussionist but because I finally started to assimilate the wonder of classical music. The pieces vary; melodic and soothing, forceful and energetic, dark and mysterious, ebullient and fantastical. Beyond masterpieces by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, I discovered Gruber’s Frankenstein and am looking forward to Herrmann’s Psycho Suite.
It’s breathtaking to watch the incredible talent as fingers glide across the piano, one hand crossing over the other as the pace accelerates faster and faster. I am enthralled by the passion and fervor of the vocalists, and the timing of the different instrumental sections as they conjoin. I am in awe of the discipline, sacrifice and determination that brought these young performing artists to the stage.
Seeing things go full circle always makes me pensive and somewhat amused. I think about how we raise kids until they mature, and how we mature because of who we raised.
I really have grown to like classical music as I have added the years, I particularly like classical guitar. Nice written blog, as usual.
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Even though I took piano lessons as a child, I never appreciated classical music until only these past few years. I still don’t listen to it much though. But sometimes it’s exactly what a Sunday morning calls for. And it’s always more special when our kids are performing it. 😊
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Thanks, Ro. I’m not familiar with classical guitar. I’ve always associated classical with violins, cello, harp, etc. But I’ve seen different instruments used that I couldn’t even name. My favorite was what appeared to be tiles where three percussionists sat together in a row and, using their hands, created a rhythm while they alternatively moved their heads in sync with the music and with each other. It was extraordinary.
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Hi Carrie, I took piano as a child too. I went to the teacher’s house for lessons, and she used to watch her soap operas during the lessons. I became more interested in the soaps than the music.
I think classical is best when it’s live. When my son was in high school, I took him to a recital where a student played a marimba with two mallets in each hand. After that, he was hooked.
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Like you I never had an appreciation for classical music – that was for other people. I still know very little about it, but I can appreciate it with less prejudice now!
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I recommend it, Andrea. Look locally for a music conservatory or a college with a music program to see if they offer free concerts. See it live for the best experience.
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I think you deserve a refund from that soap-watching piano teacher! 😄
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