Well I for one am happy this Group is here...

[rasputin1952]

I am far from any kind of exret in this field, actually, I am far from even being a novice, let's just say I'm a beginner as far as knowing the names of pieces.

I know what the instruments are, and how they sound. I just have problems remembering Opus in G minor by Rachmaninoff or some such thing....:)

I think Tschaivosky (sp?) is fantastic. I also like Beethoven, Brahms, Mendel and numerous others.

I think Vaugh Williams did some fantastic work, Variations n an English Theme is one of the most moving works I've ever heard. It is simple, yet complex as it moves along...:)

My first question...What the heck is that Bach number that has the gloom and doom organ in it, the one that is so darn Gothic it almost drags you into the dungeon? I always hear it, yet never find out the name of the thing...:shrug:

Glad we have this, I enjoy learning, and have no hang ups about being corrected if I make a mistake, as you'll soon see).

[terrya]

1. I'm very happy this group is created.

Thanks to Barad Simith for suggesting it, thanks to the others for endorsing the idea, and thanks to elad for creating it.

I'm getting more and more involved in classical music. I've joined a couple of classical music clubs, and I'm a regular listener to WFMT, one of the classical radio stations here in Chicago.

I have eclectic tastes, as far as classical music is concerned. I mostly like the 20th century composers...Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, Benjamin Britten. But I'm trying to expand my tastes, beyond Mahler, Beethoven and Mozart.

I know there are others that will join this group that are more knowledgable than I...and I'll benefit from their expertise.

Thanks
Terry

[curse10]

2. I'm a Brahms freak

I generally stick to that era, but will occasionally venture into the 20c or 17th c.

I played viola professionaly for about 5 years and majored in Music with an emphasis in history/musicology.

[Barad Simith]

4. Time magazine critic Michael Walsh considers Brahms 2nd symphony...

...to be his "most satisfying work" and "the perfect introduction to the symphony."

He recommends hearing it by the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan. So I called Borders a couple of weeks ago, and sure enough, they had it in stock. I was able to get all four of Brahms' symphonies on a two-CD set by Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker (PolyGram 289 453 097-2).

[curse10]

7. I actually think that his Tragic Overture is his most satisfying work

although the 2nd Symphony is definitely his best symphony.

I also have that CD- I got it last year for Christmas :-) It is the best recording I've heard.

[MuseRider]

8. Personally I adore

the 1st symphony. Does anyone know this symphony well enough to tell me if they also think that the 3rd movement was used in a movie? We played it this year and every time we did it I thought of movies but was never able to place it nor was anyone else.

[Barad Simith]

10. Nothing for the third movement, but...

...the first movement of Brahms Symphony No. 1 was featured in the following movies:

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984)
Hamlet (2000)

And the fourth movement of that symphony was featured in:

Counterpoint (1968)
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)

How did I become such an encyclopedia of music and movies? I didn't. I found the above information at this comprehensive site:

Classics from the Silver Screen

[MuseRider]

11. WOW!

Thanks, I never knew that site existed. This is a keeper.

[Barad Simith]

9. thanks for the recommendation

This is one of the benefits I hoped to gain from this group. Pretty much anything that's for sale is going to be billed (by the seller) as a masterpiece, so it's good to get these kinds of word-of-mouth recommendations.

[MuseRider]

3. Hi all!

I am glad this is here. Speaking of classical music, I gotta run to rehearsal. See you all soon. :hi:

[Barad Simith]

6. hi MuseRider!

:hi:

[Barad Simith]

5. I don't know if you saw it, but CBHagman and JulieRB answered your...

...Bach question here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2093750

I enjoy learning, and have no hang ups about being corrected if I make a mistake

So far, Ras, most of us seem to be in the "I'm no expert" category.

[TrogL]

13. Probably Toccata (and Fugue) in D-minor BWV 565

The fugue isn't always played in popular recordings/movies as it's a bit boring and goes on for awhile.

[rasputin1952]

14. I went thru my old tapes and Lo and Behold, there it Was!!!!!...

I have a copy I got from the Library Sale about 6 months ago!

Marie-Claire ALAIN plays the organ, or orgue as they have it. Better not tell bush, this is a French,(gasp), product. Somehow, I don't expect to see bush in a forum that has anything to do with Classical music, that would be akin to seeing him in the Library of Congress, just isn't going to happen...:)

Anyway...after listening to this, it still is not the one I was originally thinking of, although I do recognize it from when I used to go to the silents in NYC when they had the all nighters for a couple of bucks for the classics...:) They'd throw in "Reefer Madness" about 2 AM just for laughs...:)

The one I'm thinking of is a VERY HEAVY organ that just about crushes you when it comes on and LOUD...Very dark and gothic, exceptionally ominous. I wish I could describe it in writing, but not being a musicologist, it is very difficult to do. I know you'd know it right off the bat if you heard it, just as almost anyone here would...in fact, I'm willing to bet, in the first to or three measures, it would be a Jeopardy winner for anyone here but me...:) My library doesn't have sound rooms where you check out a CD or a tape before you check it out to take it home, but I figure it is out there some where...:) And as soon as I get the title of that piece, yu'll all be doing the "head slap that's heard around the world"...:) This has become a QUEST, no longer a simple query...can't let this thing beat me or any of you guys!

[Seabiscuit]

12. Ditto. I voted for it and I'm glad Skinner followed through!

[troubleinwinter]

15. I rekon this is the place to check in?

I do loooove opera!

EEEeeek!!!!!!!

I am happy to find a place to learn stuff & junk!