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Did you know that very few pieces of music written during the Classical period (1750-1820) were written in minor keys? This is because the music was supposed to be happy and accessible, and minor keys were too heavy and dark for the average listener. However, the following Romantic period saw composers using more emotional devices, including the use of minor keys. I suppose this is why it's my favorite era of classical music; I like music that is serious and emotional.

I also love the melancholy/emotional(ala Uilleann pipes): it's primarily what moves my soul..

however, I also really like Handel water music!

Most people think of Mozart when they think of the Classical era, and Beethoven when they think of the Romantic. But I prefer Brahms and Rachmaninov, their music really packs a wallop.

Absolutely fantastic post Jimmy.

No I didn't but I can understand it. I'm learning a ton of stuff at the moment and love what I call 'the dark keys', But each time I use them, I decide to move on. that said I had a go at something classical (ish) recently. It sent the person listening to sleep!

jimmydanger wrote:Did you know that very few pieces of music written during the Classical period (1750-1820) were written in minor keys? This is because the music was supposed to be happy and accessible, and minor keys were too heavy and dark for the average listener. However, the following Romantic period saw composers using more emotional devices, including the use of minor keys. I suppose this is why it's my favorite era of classical music; I like music that is serious and emotional.

Growing up exposed to classic music I’ve learned to appreciate it over the years, I read somewhere that those classical composers used nature sounds to get ideas, Beethoven it’s said to have copied his 5th from a bird song, watching and listening to the enclosed video link I’m inclined to believe it.

PS: move the play slide to 45 seconds and use your musician ear.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml9Q7mIMLiI

I prefer upbeat music, like the Brandenburg Concerto, for instance.
But I also like the ocassional sad song, as long as it's not 'dreary-sad.'
'Melancholy sad' sounds better to me . . .
Some of those sad classical songs sound like they were written by old men who are crying in their beer - or tea, or whatever. Funeral music: ugh.

"Sad' has it's place, though - no doubt.
.
Most classical music is a lot of work to write, although the various elements are usually fairly simple. The thing is - there is a LOT of various elements, - which is why it's a lot of work.
Most experienced rockers can probably easily write a 'new' rock song in 2 minutes, but never a symphony in that amount of time . . .
.
An observation:
Minor chords will not always produce sad music, however.
One or 2 other chords introduced into a sad song - and played with the correct rhythm - can turn a sad song happy.
And - vice versa.
And the the rhythm of the melody compared to the rhythm of the chords - can easily influence a song to be happier or sadder, regardless of the chords, eh?
.
But I guess you guys already know all that, eh?
. . . jes' thinkin' out loud . . .

You can also employ minor sevenths instead of full minor chords to keep it interesting yet not overly sad.

I've always thought of minor keys as being where the "magic Lives." I prefer the works of Claudio Monteverdi and Pacabel, I'm more of a 17th Century gal myself. Monteverdi wrote some of the most beautiful arias in my opinion. Every time I was in Venice, Italy, I'd stop by his monument at the church where he's buried. La Maestro.

Here's a take from Poppea where her nurse is singing to her in the garden, promising to watch over her: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xinviwbo ... re=related

What's hilarious about this opera is it's about Poppea stealing Nero from his wife, Octavia, so Poppea is the heroine in this story and Nero, well we all know what a nice guy Nero was.

Chaeya

Rockemonandoff was okay, but no one could replace Ludwig Van in my heart.

No question Beethoven was a genius. And he had a compelling life story as well. But Rachmaninov has an equally compelling life story; his first symphony was such a bomb that he nearly didn't recover. At its premier, the conductor had barely glanced at the work (and was rumored to be drunk), the symphony was under-rehearsed and the critics were very harsh. Sergei went into such a depression that he didn't compose another piece for years. But when he did write again (the Piano Concerto No.2) it was an instant smash hit that totally redeemed his life. He regained enough confidence to compose the second and third symphonies, which are brilliant. There are many life-lessons there, and classical music is full of such stories.

jimmydanger wrote:You can also employ minor sevenths instead of full minor chords to keep it interesting yet not overly sad.

Sounds like you know music theory.

Please explain.

It's at times like these. I'm really glad I know nothing.