Posted on 03/01/2006 7:54:55 PM PST by Reaganesque
I was sitting here tonight listening to Mozart's Requiem and I got to thinking: what do I consider to be the best work of music ever? For my part, Mozart's work really does the trick for me when I need to be re-energized. Therefore, I believe that his Requiem is the greatest work of all time. There just isn't another work that is as powerful and passionate. When the chorus sings the final "Amen" at the end of "Lacrimosa" I get the feeling that he knew it was the last thing he would ever write. It gives me chills at times.
Other favorites are:
Handel's Messiah
The 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky
Wagner's "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral"
I have much catching up to do. At this point, I can't instantly tell the difference between Beethoven, Bach, and Brahms. But I'm working on it, and enjoying it.
Satellite radio (Sirius and XM) are terrific for classical music. Several ad-free classical channels on each, and to me as a novice, a very important feature: the display of the name of the piece, and the orchestra performing it, on the radio dial. Almost a tutorial.
You sure they didn't just want the CD?
See - I'm not alone! ;-)
Handel's Water Music
Z Z Topp's entire first album
The Hippopotamus
Now, you really have been tremendously nice, posterity would be proud of you, and perhaps you'd like to help us even more now by joining in the last chorus of this next song. You don't have to if you don't want to, if it embarrasses you, but it would be rather a pity if you don't sing tonight because tonight, by way of encouragement, attendants will be passing amongst you with rawhide whips. This is one of the first songs Donald and I wrote together, it turned out to be a lucky day for us. Today is also another rather splendid day as today is the 50th anniversary of that marvellous day when Alloykin, the Russian chessmaster, played King's pawn to Knight 7th. This caused quite a stir as they were playing bridge at the time.In honour of this, and because I can't think of any other way to get round it, Donald is going to sing the second chorus of this song in Russian. This is the very first of the animal songs, some people think the title of this song is irrelevant. But it's not irrelevant, it's a Hippopotamus.
A bold Hippopotamus was standing one day
On the banks of the cool Shalimar
He gazed at the bottom as it peacefully lay
By the light of the evening star.
Away on a hilltop, sat combing her hair
Was a fair Hippopotami maid;
The Hippopotamus was no ignoramus
And sang her this sweet serenade:
'Mud, Mud, glorious mud
Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood!
So follow me, follow
Down to the hollow
And there let us wallow
In glorious mud'
The fair Hippopotama he aimed to entice
From her seat on that hilltop above
As she hadn't got a Ma to give her advice
Came tiptoeing down to her love.
Like thunder the forest re-echoed the sound
of the song that they sang when they met
His inamorata adjusted her garter
And lifted her voice in duet (in Russian)
(in Russian, DS sings, MF translates --> See bottom of page)
'Mud, Mud, glorious mud
Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood!
So follow me, follow
Down to the hollow
And there let us wallow
In glorious mud!'
That should improve our cultural relations
The bold Hippopotami began to convene
On the banks of that river so wide
I wonder, now, what am I to say of the scene
That ensued by the Swhalimar side?
They dived all at once, with an ear-splitting splosh
Then rose to the surface again
A regular army
of Hippopotami
All singing this haunting refrain:
'Mud, Mud, glorious mud
Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood
So follow me, follow
Down to the hollow
And there let us wallow
In glorious mud'!
Thanks for reminding me about that song. Most excellent!
I used to sing "Alleluia chorus" in high school glee club. We made a big production out if it, like it is suppose to be. I think that is the name of it. Been a long time. The one where the King of Sweden stood for the final part, so everyone stands for it.
Can you help me out with the name of the song?
Ummm, he thought it was over, which is why he stood up. People did the same out of respect for him. Sort of like the seventh inning stretch and President...Taft? Somebody from that period. Anyway, it became tradition.
I would also have to say that the rendition of "Mansions of the Lord" played at Ronald Reagan's funeral was UNBELIEVABLE!!! Does anyone know where I can get that same version????
Cool. I'll give it a go.
Have you ever experienced the works of Havergal Brian? His Symphony no. 1 "Gothic" is out there.
bump for later reading
Pachelbel's Canon
Silver Wings
Red Dirt Road
Mr. Bojangles
California Dreaming
King of the Road
Coal Miner's Daughter
Mama Tried
I think that what most of these songs, particularly the country ones, have going for them is that they're not the result of someone trying to "write great music", they were people writing from the heart.
Well it was a light-hearted selection but I think we'll be out-voted! ;-)
Handel's Messiah. And it was King George of England who stood up for the final part in deference to "The King of Kings."
Hey, I love Stravinsky's Firebird Suite!
I tend to think the same way as you. I don't like all of every song I listen to or like. I like pieces or moments of songs so that I am willing to listen to the whole song so that I can hear the moments.
For moments that really jump out at me I'll record the moment over and over again then splice them all together.
I love Carmina Burana.
Had to memorize O Fortuna in school.
Nothing like Latin chant!
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