Classical Music Meme by sir_flute
Which composer's music do you as a general rule like the most?
It depends on what instrument we're talking about, so let me subdivide this one. ;-)
Piano: Chopin, Rachmaninoff
Violin: Bach
Orchestra: Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Copland
Which composer's music do you as a general rule like the least?
Hmm...I generally don't pay attention to the composers I don't care for, but I know that there's one out there. I shoved him out of my brain some time ago, so give me a minute...oh, never mind. I've lost it.
I used to despise the piano music of Debussy, but after learning a piece by him myself, my opinion changed entirely. I saw/heard his music from a new angle, and it gave me an appreciation for his art that I never thought I'd have. But since I now enjoy his music, he doesn't count, and therefore does not merit a green highlight.
Which composer do you sometimes wish had never existed?
ditto above
Who is your favorite composer as a person?
BEETHOVEN!!! ;-) Eccentrics are the best.
What would you say is your favorite complete work (as in, a symphony, concerto, ballet, opera, etc.)?
That's a tough one, but I'll say Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto. I also adore his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
What would you say is your favorite incomplete work (as in a particular movement or part of a larger piece)
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, fourth movement.
"The Montagues and the Capulets" from Romeo and Juliet by Prokofiev
Which is your favorite form of classical music (as in symphony, ballet, concerto, chamber music, sonata, solo, etc.)?
Oh my word, David. This one is even more difficult to answer than the favorite piece question! There are so many variables to consider here. Perhaps I should form subdivisions for this one, as well. ;-)
Piano & violin: concerto
Strings: string quartet
Orchestra: symphony, ballet, march--its all good!
And I love, love, LOVE chamber music. There are unlimited possibilities with that form.
Which is your least favorite form of classical music?
For lack of thoughts here, I will say an operatic aria featuring a shrieking soprano. Don't get me wrong--I adore opera. As long as the soprano doesn't make me cringe.
Which is your favorite style of classical music: the faster the better; waltz-like; calm, serene, medium tempo; slow and sad?
None of these, actually. While mentally reviewing favorites lists I've compiled in the past, I have come to the conclusion that I like my music to be dramatic, passionate, and gut wrenching. ;-) But I do like an occasional serene piece. And a happy piece, as long as the melody isn't corny.
Which is your least favorite style of classical music?
I can't think of any off hand.
What is your favorite time period in classical music?
Romantic, without a doubt.
What is your favorite nationality of classical music?
Czech (Dvorak! I love the Bohemian rhythmns that characterize that area), French, German, Russian
What is your least favorite time period in classical music?
It depends on particular pieces...probably the Classical period, though. At other times I might think Impressionistic or Contemporary, but there are many pieces from each of these eras I very much enjoy, and many are also on my favorites list. But on the whole, probably Classical. Or Modern. Oh, I don't know! Like I said, it depends on the piece.
Which instrument do you most like to listen to?
Violin and cello. If there is an orchesta backing it, I like the piano equally, however.
Which piece would you most like to be able to play?
Rachmaninoff's 3rd concerto. ;-) As if that will ever happen, but I really would like to play it someday. I just don't know if I'm willing to put the required amount of work into it--its a killer!
Who is your favorite classical artist?
Oh good, a no-brainer: Joshua Bell!!! I also like Arthur Rubinstein and Vladimir Horowitz, but JB is my favorite, hands down. Leif Ove Andsnes does the Rach III best though (out of the four artists I've heard).