I just got back from 3 weeks in Japan. "Background music" is prevalent there. You can hear it wherever you go. What do you think about background music? Often, it creates a calm atmosphere, in a dentist's office or an exciting one -- like that of stores that want to create an upbeat mood so you will be happy and want to buy things.
But, basically, background music is the antithesis of everything I believe in about music. You aren't expected to really listen to that music. It's just an ambient sound. Perhaps people won't know how to really listen to music if they just hear background music all the time. It dulls your senses!
I had a really annoying experience with some kind of "healing" music, kind of New Age thing that went on and on and on. It started to drive me absolutely crazy because it was so horribly repetitive and boring! But, because of the circumstances, I couldn't get away from it, so I grit my teeth very bravely and withstood it.
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So whaddaya think about Phillip Glass?
Great question, Mike! Strangely enough, I don't know Glass' work very well. However, there are two other "minimalists" who I really enjoy a lot: Steve Reich (City Life) and John Adams (Nixon in China) All three of these composers have specialized in creating "pattern music", which is repetitive and combines the same patterns in different ways. I love both Reich and Adams!!
I was introduced to Glass through the NYC Ballet when I saw Jerome Robbins's ballet "Glass Pieces."
The ballet is wonderful. I've listened to several pieces by Glass including some operas.
Some I like some I'm indifferent.
Very interesting, Michael! You are so fortunate to live in the New York area and see such wonderful things!!
Also, it's fascinating to me how people get exposed to one thing or another and how it influences them. Everyone has had different experiences. Often, you can remember the first time you heard a piece.
And, Michael, unlike others I have met, you can base your opinion on more than one piece. I'm sure there are many who know only one Glass piece, such as "Einstein on the Beach".
Thanks for your comment.
(Hmmm. . . . new blog idea . . . how and when I first heard certain pieces of music . . . .)
We're getting kinda close to the holidays, what do you think of Mannheim Steamroller or Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Are you kidding? Haha, no way!! Sorry -- each to his own, but no thanks from me on those two groups.
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