r/classicalmusic

Every viola concerto I have listened to, when it comes to the virtuosic passages like fast double stops, spiccato, etc. the viola's register and warmer timbre just struggles to project over an orchestra. Even with great professional soloists playing, you just end up hearing the bow scratching against the strings since the timbre of the instrument blends too much with the orchestras harmonies. Don't get me wrong I love the viola, especially when it comes to lyrical melodies. My favorite types of pieces in the viola repertoire are more on sonatas than concertos for this reason since there is more emphasis on melody and developments than showy virtuosic fireworks like concertos usually are.

Feel free to agree or disagree in the comments, I would love to hear your insights.

When I was single going to a classical concert was an event but it wasn’t breaking the bank, but now I have a family we have to multiply the cost it’s starting to really add up. For us, it can be only a once in a year thing.

Are there some ideas or hacks to be able to see decent quality classical concerts - doesn’t have to be top tier professionals, but better than high schoolers - for not-too-expensive prices?

Around holiday season it seems there’s more of these opportunities, but less so at other times of the year. Would love to hear any experiences you might have.

As a fan but not a musician, I am always curious about the relationship between the musicians and the conductor. I have enough musician friends to know that the feelings between the two can range widely. I’m curious, what are the ways an audience member can tell if the musicians like a conductor, especially a visiting conductor. Eye contact? Smiles? A little extra joy in the performance?

With classical being so big, different eras, composers, pieces and even different records for the same piece i assume you don't listen to all of your library equally, so how many records do y'all consider your core repertoire? the records you keep listening to daily or on average? for me I'd say it's like 20 that i pass by weekly, can be stretched to 50ish depending on mood.

I was listening and there’s a part in Beethoven 2.1 that is identical to 9.1. Is a reason for this?

Hello everyone! I'm doing a presentation on Silence in postmodern music (what it its effect, how is that achieved, how it related to postmodern issues, etc.), and was wondering if anyone here knew of any contemporary pieces that use silence in a meaningful or interesting way (approx. after the 1980s)? Thanks! : )

La música del siglo XVII y primera mitad del siglo XVIII (barroco tardío). Incluyo a los territorios americanos de España.

Hello again! I made a similar post a few days and once again I am in the same debacle. I am surprised they keep scheduling these performances on the exact same date and time lol. The two performances that I am torn between this time are the following:

Concert for the 40 years of the AUTh - School of Music Studies:

• Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Overture ‘Die Weihe des Hauses’, Op.124
• Christos Samaras (1956): The Seagull (World premiere)
• Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975): Piano concerto No.2 in F major, Op.102
• Richard Wagner (1813-1883): Overture to the opera ‘Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg’
• Emilios Riadis (1880-1935): ‘Jasmins et minarets’ for voice and orchestra
• Alexander Borodin (1833-1887): Polovtsian Dances from ‘Prince Igor’

Vienna Piano Quintet:

• A. Dvořák : Trio for two violins and viola in C major , opus 74
• G. Mahler : Piano Quartet in A minor, GMW F52
• A. Dvořák : Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op . 81

Again, the first performance will be held in a ceremony hall not specifically equipped for music whereas the second performance will be held at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall.

I would love to hear your opinions about each performance, thanks a lot!

Whether it be about composers, conductors, etc.