Be Open to ALL Composers

Posted on June 21st, 2008 and filed in Be Open to ALL Composers, Mahler

One of my latest pursuits is picking a composer who – based on what I’ve heard up until now – I dislike, or even loathe their music … and then search and search until I find something I like (or love)

For months I had in mind to search Gustav Mahler’s music to this end. See if I could find anything to enjoy. So I went to my “listening post” (Naxos.com) and randomly selected a piece by Mahler. Blow me down … it’s gorgeous!

I think there is a lesson here. At least for me. Don’t decide (pre-judge) a composer based on limited listening!

Mahler’s Fifth Symphony / 4th Movement / Adagietto
http://jimsclassicalmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/san-francisco-symphony-michael-tilson-thomas_04_symphony-no-5-iv-adagietto-sehr-langsam.mp3Right Click to Download


2 Responses to “Be Open to ALL Composers”

  1. Lance Says:
    June 23rd, 2008 at 12:13 pm

    Hey Jim.

    The Adagietto of Mahler’s 5th is truly inspiring and beautiful. The piece was abused in the movie “Death in Venice” but in a good way! :)

    While its great that you’ve found a piece of Mahler’s to enjoy its still not safe to simply judge Mahler’s music all because of one piece. Samuel Osborne Barber suffers from this syndrome.

    Anyway my point is that if you want to find a piece of a particular composer to grip onto (before starting to explore the said composers lesser known works), I think it’s best to look out for the popular piece first and start from there!

    If you don’t mind Jim, I’d like to know which composers you dislike, maybe I can help you find a piece from the composer(s) you can hang on to!

  2. Jim Says:
    August 2nd, 2008 at 7:30 am

    Dear Lance – As you know you have already helped me so much with this! Your list of “Modern” composers who I thought I’d never want to listen to … and your suggestions of their work that might appeal; have led me into new territory! Worth exploring. Thanks for your feedback.

Leave a Comment