Live Orchestra Music

[Aadwen]

After listening to Snowflight I got to thinking about the best live orchestra music that I have heard. I remember exatcly what it was. My Middle School band class went to the big City, Dallas, to head Peter and the Wolf played by ... umm... some russian orchestra. Heading into it I though there is no way I'm going to like this. At the end of it I was on the edge of my seat. The part I liked the most was the Obo's. They have a unique sounds and feel about them. Although I have gone to other concerts I still liked that one the best. So what's your favorite? Also your favorite instrument.

Aadwen

[Cobalt Katze]

I suppose I could have two different answers. One would be for what I've personally heard performed live, and one for what I've heard in recordings.

Being that I live in Seattle, I often go to hear the Seattle Symphony play live, which is always an amazing experience. I have a hard time remembering what exactly they play all the time, but I'm always enthralled by performances of works by Ravel, Rachmaninoff or Bartok. However, one performance really knocked my socks off... which was the performance of Rite of Spring by Stravinski. Hands down one of the best live orchestral performances I've heard.

As for my favourite recorded orchestral music... There's no concretes since I love so much. But one of the most enjoyable pieces I've heard is Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Really energetic writing with great melodies and themes.

I also have to include chamber music into the fold though, as not all great live "classical" music is orchestral.. and so one of my absolute favourite pieces is Ravel's String Quartet. Really amazing string writing, especially for the only quartet he ever wrote.

My favourite instrument? Well, it might be apparent from listening to Snowflight, but definately the English Horn Also, the Alto Sax when played in a classical format. Especially as a solo instrument with an orchestra. Beautiful.

[Aredhel]

I grew up in Santa Barbara and attended, as well as hosted, the Santa Barbara Symphony, conducted by Zubin Mehta. In college, we did Beethovan 1, 2, 3, 4...you get the idea...and our choir combined with 2 others to sing the 9th!

Dallas Symphony does Peter and the Wolf pert near every year, I think!

Favorite instruments? ouch...that's hard! I might be inclined to say Irish Harp, but I have a few of them, really.

[Taronn Anvilmarr]

My boss listens to that genre in his office and it leaks out into my area. Hands down, it is the best music to listen to if you need to go to sleep - I have such a hard time staying awake when he has it on.

Fav instrument - violins

[Cobalt Katze]

Originally Posted by Taronn Anvilmarr

My boss listens to that genre in his office and it leaks out into my area. Hands down, it is the best music to listen to if you need to go to sleep - I have such a hard time staying awake when he has it on.

Fav instrument - violins

I think you're being incredibly general Or just humorous, either way

Considering that there's a multitude of "sub-genres" within the orchestral form. There's a lot of orchestral music that's rather active or chaotic as well, which I think anyone would have a hard time falling asleep to.

It's just that most people are familiar with Orchestral music as Classical music as Mozart's symphonies. And that's all fine for trying to inspire work or having a nice calm background. But try falling asleep to Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima and I'll call you clinically insane

[Nil]

Originally Posted by Cobalt Katze

But try falling asleep to Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima and I'll call you clinically insane

Yeah. Or look at the music to a game like Baldur's Gate (I know it's video game music, but it was recorded by an actual orchestra, so it counts - right?). You're falling asleep to that.

[Taronn Anvilmarr]

lol - ok Ill specify (some)

He listens to Mozart and Beethoven and it is very soothing and relaxing. I have never heard of Threnody so ill take ur word for it.

[Cobalt Katze]

Originally Posted by Taronn Anvilmarr

I have never heard of Threnody so ill take ur word for it.

Here's a bit of a sampler then

[Pirotess]

Havent found much in the way of full orchestral music that I enjoy but then again I havent really been exposed to much either. Pretty much the closest I get to it is listening to Bond which is a group of women who play violin, cello and viola in a more modern and electric way. Personally I love the sound of an electric violin.

[Aredhel]

"Bond" is incredible! Those 4 gals are so talanted, and pretty, and...all that stuff! My daughter and I listened to it a LOT. Not sure where my copy is now, but I had my classes listen to it, as well! Showed them that not all people trained in classic music were stuffy! OR old!

Of course, we could move on to "Amiche," too! (think I spelled that right) They are 5 people who call themselves the "operetic band" and my kids loved them!