News11 mins ago
Calling all Classical Music Lovers - I need your help please.
76 Answers
Some very dear young friends of mine have lost their fifth child (at 17 weeks) and will be holding a short secular service for him at the hospital. They have decided they would like two pieces of classical music played during the service, probably of no more than 4-5 minutes each. The choice is left to him and as he is a bit of a novice where classical is concerned and is only just learning to appreciate it, he has asked me to send him some suitable pieces he can choose from. We have discussed it and decided on a piece for cello and the other for piano but if there is anything else I think he might like I can include it. For instance I think Schubert's Serenade is uplifting and will probably include that on my shortlist. They are adamant they don't want any vocals. The obvious cello piece would be J du Pre/Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor Opus 85 but is it suitable? I suggested one of Chopin's Nocturnes but he said that he loved it BUT it was in the Silence of the Lambs. Eek, I didn't know.
So ABers, any suggestions that would fit this sad occasion would be most welcome; I haven't got long to decide. Thank you.
So ABers, any suggestions that would fit this sad occasion would be most welcome; I haven't got long to decide. Thank you.
Answers
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Loads to listen to yet, I will catch up with everybody when I can. I'm glad we're agreed on the JduPre Elgar, wonderful as it is.
Yes fantastic response seadogg, I'm glad they are making the final choice and not me.
Right I'm off to have a listen to some more of your choices.
Haven't even thought about supper yet this evening.
Yes fantastic response seadogg, I'm glad they are making the final choice and not me.
Right I'm off to have a listen to some more of your choices.
Haven't even thought about supper yet this evening.
How annoying, I just did an answer to all the people I haven't replied to it and lost it. So here goes again.
JJ Peter and the Wolf too long, but thank you.
Ellipsis, love the Schumann/JLW - have added to the list. Thank you.
VHG, loving the organ version of Nimrod, thanks, it's on the list. Sospiri love it, but not sure if they will. I'll see how we get on with the 1st list, I could use it for back-up if necessary.
Mazie, as already said to another poster, Pie Jesu is not suitable as they want secular. But thank you.
Thank you so much everybody. I hope I don't overwhelm them with all this wonderful music. It's up to them now. I'll let you know what they choose.
Get supper on now.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
JJ Peter and the Wolf too long, but thank you.
Ellipsis, love the Schumann/JLW - have added to the list. Thank you.
VHG, loving the organ version of Nimrod, thanks, it's on the list. Sospiri love it, but not sure if they will. I'll see how we get on with the 1st list, I could use it for back-up if necessary.
Mazie, as already said to another poster, Pie Jesu is not suitable as they want secular. But thank you.
Thank you so much everybody. I hope I don't overwhelm them with all this wonderful music. It's up to them now. I'll let you know what they choose.
Get supper on now.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Any decent piece of music gets used in lots of places. I remember being annoyed when the Intermezzzo was used in an advert, so much so that I couldn't tell you now what the ad was for. Every time it came on, I tuned out.
However, if usage such as in Raging Bull worries you, then you should be aware that in Cavalleria rusticana itself, the Intermezzo is played immediately before a scene of great violence, the reason for the violence being set up immediately before the Intermezzo. Therefore in its operatic setting it's a piece of serene beauty in the middle of horror. Personally I wouldn't let this bother me - much beautiful classical music is similarly from horrible situations.
However, if usage such as in Raging Bull worries you, then you should be aware that in Cavalleria rusticana itself, the Intermezzo is played immediately before a scene of great violence, the reason for the violence being set up immediately before the Intermezzo. Therefore in its operatic setting it's a piece of serene beauty in the middle of horror. Personally I wouldn't let this bother me - much beautiful classical music is similarly from horrible situations.
Ellipsis, I have seen Cavallieria Rusticana twice, so am aware of its context but my friends won't be. They will however remember it from Raging Bull. I hope they won't be put off by that. I wouldn't be, Mascagni was around before Scorsese:-)
At my son's funeral we played a favourite piece of his from Norma. I can't begin to tell you how peed off I was when it was used in an ad on the TV. Might have been for British Airways or a deodorant ad, not sure now as they do it so often. I know exactly what you mean. Nessun Dorma never was the same again after the world cup.
At my son's funeral we played a favourite piece of his from Norma. I can't begin to tell you how peed off I was when it was used in an ad on the TV. Might have been for British Airways or a deodorant ad, not sure now as they do it so often. I know exactly what you mean. Nessun Dorma never was the same again after the world cup.
Beckersjay I agree regarding the Dance of the Blessed Spirits but think it's a bit too long. It's a pity as it's truly lovely and as you say, uplifting. I think my friends will enjoy listening to it though so thank you.
China, yes yours is another possibility so thank you very much.
Em, did you sort your You Tube problem out yet?
China, yes yours is another possibility so thank you very much.
Em, did you sort your You Tube problem out yet?
Ah wonderful Mozart. Thank you DT. A possibility, I will forward it to them and see what they think. This will probably be the last though as I don't want to overwhelm them and plus I want some feedback on what they've got. They've got some lovely music to choose from so I'm sure something will hit the spot.
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