Quote Originally Posted by Howie View Post
The past three years my wife, me and my neighbor have purchased a package series for the Cleveland Orchestra.
I am lucky to live around one of the most well renowned and respected Orchestras. With Franz Welser -MÖst as the music director.

I am really looking forward to this year. It does not begin until October.
When I review the list of concerts I can choose from, I would like your advice if you would.
I'd be happy to offer my opinion on this, if you give me an idea of what sort of music you know you like. My tastes usually run from late romantic to contemporary, but I'm pretty familiar with most of the "classics" that are likely to be programmed.

I have studied the fine arts and it's history, practiced mostly abstract art myself for as long as I can remember. Always attempting to explain to others the processes of viewing and depicting more modern styles of art. It was unfortunate that it was not until the second season that it hit me straight between the eyes. As I would sit and try to depict what this instrument is doing, what this means and that is, it ultimately came down to how how feel when I listen to it.
Where does it take me? Much like a painting. It's an experience. Not to be over analytical towards. At least for most of us.
Someone like you can dabble further into the depths of the compositions. Someone like myself can depict art very critically and not tarnish the experience.
I think only with time, knowledge and experience can you get to that point.[/COLOR]
I've had many discussions on this topic, actually. The very experience of music changes as you learn more about it. You lose just a little bit of the wonder, but gain much in a deeper sense of appreciation. I sometimes wish I could hear something while forgetting the theory behind it all... to let it just be sound again, and sometimes I can fool myself for a little while in this regard, but it's very hard for me not to analyze what's going on as I listen. This is probably why I like contemporary music so much... much harder to analyze