09/18/98

Classical Music Lovers

In response to "Delicious Sundays" ...(9/11/98)

Classical music lovers abound among SNET Internet users. Very reassuring to someone like me, who has seen classical audiences dwindle over the years. Listen to a few of these reader selections:

Combine classical jazz and nature

"I've enjoyed classical music ever since being introduced to it in college. I listen frequently to Saturday Afternoon at the Opera on PBS and have a small tape library of my own. I enjoy short popular sections of the classics with natural sounds of wind, rain, brooks, thunder, birds or wolves included in the structure of the music.

"There is nothing like driving on a stormy day with the sounds of the north woods to keep you company. Woodwinds and strings combined with wolves help keep me aware of my surroundings. Imagine wolves and a jazz band on opposite sides of a small wooded area doing point and counterpoint sounds."

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Share music with others

"I, too, love classical music. I'm alone and widowed and possess 270+ CDs of classical piano pieces, jazz and guitar. Is there a reasonable way to share this joy with others? To me it seems a sin to have all this beautiful music and no one to share it with.

"A local Senior Center is looking for volunteers to spend time with shut-ins who want companionship to break up their loneliness. Maybe that might be one outlet. Recreational therapists at nursing homes might also see some use. Do you have any other ideas?"

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Music is as essential as food

"My dear, departed sister played a hand in sparking my interest in classical music. She used to love choral music and sang in our church choir.

"We had an old upright piano in our apartment. While I never got serious about learning to play it, I have always called myself a dedicated listener. A Walt Disney biography of Beethoven got me hooked on classical. I can never understand people who say they don't listen to music. It's like not eating!"

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Take small children to dress rehearsals

"It's true that many children do not have the opportunity to experience classical music, the most complex and beautiful music in the world. My mother and father-in-law and their children have all been blessed with beautiful singing voices, so they perform in various choral groups. When my husband had a performance, we took our children to the dress rehearsals, so I could push them in a stroller in the back and leave when they were ready.

"My 6-year-old still attends occasional dress rehearsals to hear her grandparents sing. I recommend to anyone who doesn't think his or her child would sit through a concert, to ask if they may attend dress rehearsals, which are usually free of charge and provide a great introduction to the concert scene."

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Introduce the classics early in life

"I encourage my daughter to play classical music to my new granddaughter, who is one month old. I studied piano for many years, from age 8 to 16. I haven't touched a piano keyboard in years, but I have a great love for music."

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Never too late to play an instrument

"I am a Physical Education teacher and two years ago, at the age of 56, began studying the violin with the fifth graders at my school. I play in the orchestra with them at our holiday and spring concerts and also take private lessons. I LOVE my violin and have developed a passion for classical music.

"A new world has opened for me in the past two years. I begin each of my classes with warm-ups and aerobics to classical music. The kids really like it and perhaps some will grow to appreciate it as much as I do!"

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Music reduces stress

"I was unable to take lessons as a child and always wanted to learn piano. But I was in every choir possible, including a bell choir at church, and played percussion instruments in Band and High School orchestra. I thought of being a music teacher or music therapist, but God sent me in a different direction, into special education. I often listen to classical or other instrumental music as a stress reducer.

"Listening to classical music fills my thoughts and heart, and I can escape into a world where I can relax before the next firestorm/earthquake/explosion claims my attention. It helps me calm the stresses, isolate them and kick them away. My children have all learned to appreciate various musical presentations, especially my 12-year-old twins. One plays saxophone and wants to learn cello as well. He likes to attend every musical and theater production he can. The other twin walks around whistling old tunes my dad sings.

"It's a wonderful life, despite the craziness."

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Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.