At first glance, classical music may sound like a genre that not everybody can resonate with. Yet, there are numerous examples of classical music that has become so well known that almost everyone has heard them at least once. Here is an example from Beethoven’s 5th symphony:

Meanwhile, when movies use classical music as a soundtrack it makes perfect sense and resonates with the audience, even those who have a guard against classical music! This might have different reasons.

• 1- It’s in a context which helps the people to understand it better and more.
• 2- The audience is watching the movie, no time for prejudices!
• 3- As the audience follows the story line, they trust their own feeling and emotion.

Here are some famous example of classical music that you have definitely listened to as soundtracks in movies:

However, it’s needless to say that classical music is the most complicated genre, both when it comes to composing and performing. Also, it conveys the deepest emotions, feelings, meanings and is the most thought provoking.

“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.”, Beethoven. Of course, Beethoven was referring to classical music and not all music in general. How so? You might ask!

Classical music is the only genre that is perfectly and meticulously notated by the composer. It’s also the only genre that is performed exactly as written by the musicians. Other than the notes, tempo and things of that sort – the sheet music contains a lot of performance marks! Naturally, the musicians are trained to make sense of it all…

A classical musician has a deep understanding of music and knows how to analyze it. It all helps him/her to come up with his/her own interpretation of the music which can be very unique, time consuming, nerve-racking and frustrating, just like any other creative process – but it doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. If you’ve ever experienced love, you know that it can still be pleasant despite difficulties…

From a technical point of view, a classical musician develops skills that are beyond all other genres. Sometimes, a classical musician should learn techniques that are specific to another genres as well. It doesn’t stop there, there have been cases of classical musicians falling in love with other instruments, that has resulted in inventing mind-blowing yet frustrating to learn and almost impossible new techniques for their instruments when playing their solo recitals. Importantly, it’s not just the technique alone (which would be the case for many genres), but it’s the ability to convey meaning, emotions and feeling at the same time!… As Beethoven once said: “Playing the wrong note is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable”.

Have a listen to the Canadian virtuoso Remi Boucher performing Adagio from Aranjuez Concerto, imitating all instruments of the orchestra on his classical guitar:

Everyone can relate to and enjoy classical music but one can certainly appreciate it more when one is educated about it. A serious music fan can distinguish the complexity, advanced mind-bending techniques, sensitivity, perfectionism and depth that is only found in classical music.

There are a wide variety of guide books on how to not only listen to classical music but also different eras and even more specifically, different composers. These guide books can expand one’s understanding and open new doors to appreciating this fabulous genre. Yet, they’re surely not a prerequisite to listening to and enjoying classical music!

Trust your own feelings, don’t worry if you don’t understand everything that’s going on, don’t be intimidated by the complexity, let the music take you on a journey and it’s OK if you can’t tell where the destination is. Just like in life, love the journey not the destination!

Here are some classical music playlists, curated by me:

More here: https://linktr.ee/puremusician