The Whole Music Experience

Iconoclast Glenn Gould, an interpreter of Bach When music experts discuss the healing power and potential of classical music, they always include the music of J.S. Bach. And I admit I felt intimidated the first few times I listened to Bach's concertos and then later, a mass. It didn't help that the people introducing me to Bach's compositions were academics. And it didn't help that people who spoke about Bach in my distant past, did so in a condescending manner. Then once I was on the Bach train, metaphorically speaking, I would tout the Goldberg Variations performed by Glenn Gould to people I met. They often said that they couldn't listen to Bach because their stern parents did. Or the really good response was that Bach reminded them of church music and a detested religious upbringing. I guess for those folks the healing power of Bach's music is lost.  And this brings up the question that if Bach's music triggers bad memories and even panic attacks ...

I found an interview with French Pianist Helene Grimaud where she discusses the nuances of classical music and musical training. She also discusses a connection to nature and wolves in particular. All music lovers and music therapist s benefit from watching this video (in English).

Raise music consciousness a notch in less than 19 minutes... One of the best days of my music research occurred when I discovered Ted Talks. I found talks on the brain and music, the benefits of music education for children, the elasticity of the brain, as well as, musical performances. I could give a list of music consciousness books, which I know most of you won't read.  Or I thought of including these touching and educational videos about the power of classical music. Granted, Ted Talks supplies us with talks on other music genres.  Some of the speakers such as Benjamin Zander use humor to make a point and others give delightful performances. Speaking of Benjamin Zander, I'm including his talk on The Transformative Power of Classical Music.   Next up,  on the same topic, here's violinist Tatiana Berman with an accompanying dance performance. Finally, for the last video, we end with violinist Deanna Choi giving an emotionally-charged perf...

World   Chung Woong Korean Traditional Music Ensemble   Traditional Music from Korea Arc Music I’m pretty sure that the last time I heard traditional Korean music was while watching a historic Korean movie at a film festival.   Since I enjoyed the soundtrack to that movie, I leaped on the chance to review Chung Woong Korean Traditional Music Ensemble’s CD, Traditional Music of Korea .   The recording was produced at the Festival Mondial des Cultures de Drummondville, Quebec and released on the Arc Music label, which specializes in the world’s music traditions. The instruments first capture a music listener’s attention, from rousing drums, gongs, clappers, to a variety of zithers, oboes, flutes and a shawm.    Rousing at times and tranquil at other times, these musicians immerse us in Korean music and culture, including meditative, ritualistic and festival music.   For instance, the CD opens with the tranquil Ch’ŏngsŏng jajinh...