I must admit, I have somewhat of a passion for classical music. I started
listening to some of the major works of Tchaikovsky back in
1992, and I've been a fan of this particular musical genré
ever since. Over the years my knowledge of the world of classical music
has grown, my collection
of classical works has indeed expanded, and
my tastes have swayed more towards the works of the Baroque
composers (usually defined as being composed between 1600 and 1750);
specifically the works of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).
Not that I don't enjoy other works by other composers, it is just that
at this particular time I happen to enjoy Bach's works over the others
because of his style, genius, and motivations.
"Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21, 1685 in Eisenach, and
died on July 28, 1750 in Leipzig. He is the most
celebrated member of a large family of northern
German musicians. Though he was considered
old-fashioned in his lifetime and his works were
neglected after his death, Bach was recognized in the
19th century as one of the greatest composers of the
Western world, a preeminence that has continued
undiminished in the 20th century."
Encyclopedia Britannica
Bach, like a few others of the Baroque period, wrote for the sole
purpose of glorifying God. He worked at a Lutheran church where he wrote
most of his works, including new material for worship each Sunday. He was
a devout Christian, which can be seen in most of works, and is the
main reason why I enjoy his music so much.
J. S. BACH
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I have also recently become interested in Opera (thank you, Laura!). My
first opera was Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte performed by Pittsburgh Opera
in March of 1996, followed by Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and
Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci in April. I'm slowly learning to appreciate
this wonderful new world that before quite frankly intimidated me...
OPERA
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Apart from the composers mentioned, I also enjoy the works
of several others; mostly of the Baroque period. G. F. Handel
is, of course, one of the greatest right after Bach, with his
oratorio Messiah being one of my favourite non-Bach works.
With the harpsichord in my opinion the best instrument, I
find some Classical and Romantic (being the periods after Baroque)
pieces slightly unappealing ;).
BAROQUE
MUSIC
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CLASSICAL AND
ROMANTIC
MUSIC
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