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Classical Music Offers More Than Lazy Beach Sunsets
The internet is stuffed to the gills with scientific proof that calm, slow classical music can relax listeners. No doubt this is a beautiful and necessary experience in our frenetic society. But there’s more to classical music than the well-known first movement of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy or Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major.
Mainstream media needs to spotlight the raucous, bombastic side of classical music—the stuff that makes you want to fight trolls, harness the sky, or rebel against the earthly elements! Consider Classsicfm’s take on a few roaring moments in the classical genre.
Classifying all classical music as relaxing is an amazingly close-minded assumption. This concept is everywhere in the music world. Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” Elvis’s “Jailhouse Rock,” and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “My Shot” (from Hamilton) are anything but snoozers.
Isn’t classical music dead?
No. Here are two reasons why.
Composers use memorable melodies, complex harmonies, and various combinations of instrument sounds. They can go from the thunderous sound of a full orchestra (upwards of 100 players) to a solo and back again. Mahler and Tchaikovsky are known for this.
However, one of the most outstanding achievements of classical composers, by and large, is the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and tell a story without lyrics. Sure, the title might give away some of the intent, but listen to any of the links below and tell me you don’t have a vivid picture in your head after the first 30 seconds. Or at least a strong emotion.
Those who open their minds to a few electrifying pieces from history’s most powerful and enduring composers might enjoy a few unexpected kicks. Consider these stalwarts from the classical repertoire:
- Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor
- Beethoven’s Symphony #5 in C minor (Allegro Con Brio)
- Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King
- Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro (Overture)
- Rossini’s William Tell Overture (Finale)
