Saturday, May 2, 2015

Valium and Classical Music

I'm so thankful for the gift of classical music. A study was done that showed listening to 30 minutes of classical music is like taking a 5mg Valium. I think the reason why musicians and artists are so different, almost alien-like, is because they tap into a subconscious part of them....this video, along with the Psalms, has sustained me this past week. This was the first Concerto I ever played and I never went back to it, but I think I will. The slow movement (11:30) is probably the most beautiful slow movement of Mozart. If from 16:00--18:00 doesn't cause your soul to stir...I don't know, I guess everyone is different. I know these two guys may seem bizarre to some (the pianist probably belongs in another century)...but they have tapped into something very deep in the human experience. So much of music is passionless and dry because people don't take risks and don't want to put themselves out there. The conductor, Sándor Végh, died in the 90s, and is known as one of the great ensemble players of the 20th century. The Romanian pianist, Radu Lupu, is a recluse who won the three major piano competitions. In a rare interview, he said, "Everyone tells a story differently, and that story should be told compellingly and spontaneously. If it is not compelling and convincing, it is without value." Just put this video on repeat and thank me next week!

Mozart Piano Concerto Number 23, A Major