Classical Music, Opera, and Ballet

[normadesmond]

I listen to the commercial-free Rhapsody radio. I can type in what I want to hear, so the CDs just sort of stay on my shelf and collect dust.

I'm curious about this. Like do you have to pay a monthly charge or is it free? I'd like to do this as there's a ton of music I'm curious to hear, but what about the sound quality? And same with the free downloads, how do you find the sound quality of the mp3s as compared with a CD?

[huntergrayson]

I know nothing about Rhapsody but I just discovered the Public Radio app for Iphone - tons of free jazz/classical shit.

So I've been exploring LA Opera of late...and have two tix to Die Walkurie on Sunday. Only problem is I completely blanked on Easter and the friend whom I was supposed to originally go with (keep in mind, I bought these forever ago) may have family in town. And a five hour opera is a hard sell to friends.

I really wish I had extra cash because I want to get tickets to the complete Ring in 2010 - it's the first time LA is doing it in its entirety. Also, just only having seen Die Rhinegold? Tolkien owes Wagner some major royalties.

I know he's not "classical" in the traditional sense, but can I recommend the "Philip (Glass) on Film" box set to everyone? If you can find it cheap, buy it!

[margojata]

I highly highly recommend Itzhak Perlman's greatest hits. I was lucky enough to see him in concert a few years ago and he was magical.

Slavonic Dance No. 2. in E Minor, Op, 72 - is gorgeous. My favorite piece of music ever. Give it a listen.

[Augustus]

Currently I'm absolutely in love with the works of the British composer Ralph Vaugh Williams, especially his Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis which can be heard in several movies. Just beautiful.

[divasahm]

Our family is still reeling from the Easter service at our church yesterday. As one of our friends put it, "A church service broke out in the middle of a concert." Our sanctuary seats about 850, and yesterday was standing room only.

Our director of music played the organ, with Peter Bay, conductor of the Austin Symphony and a church member, conducting the choir and a brass quintet. Here's the music--

Pre-service music: "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones", Lasst Uns Erfreuen, arr. by our director of music; "Te Deum in C", Benjamin Britten (with a lovely "boy" soprano descant by our children's choir director), "The Trumpet Shall Sound" (Messiah), Handel (sung by our baritone soloist)

Opening Hymn: "Christ the Lord is Risen Today", Charles Wesley/Easter Hymn, Lyra Davidica

Anthem: "Alleluia" (Exsultate, Jubilate K. 165), Mozart (sung by Sarajane Bay, wife of symphony conductor/opera singer/divaspawn1's voice teacher)

Hymn: "Easter People, Raise Your Voices", William T. James/Regent Square, Henry T. Smart

Offertory: "O Sing Unto the Lord a New Song", Healey Willan (choir)

Closing Hymn: "Sing with All the Saints in Glory", William J. Irons (from 1 Corinthians 15:20)/Ode to Joy, Beethoven

During the closing hymn, the tradition on Easter Sunday is for anyone who would like to join the choir in the loft to do so for the benediction response--there were over a hundred people in the loft by the benediction...

Benediction Response: "Hallelujah" (Messiah), Handel

I will never experience such exquisite music performed by such talented musicians all in one place ever again. Divaspawns 1 and 2 served as the acolytes and they both said they were honored to be scheduled at such a special service. Absolutely glorious, and pretty damn good for Methodists.