Well, a few comments there...
1. Heavens to Mergatroid!! I never said that Mozart was mindless or emotionless. The Prague Symphony is one of my 10 "Desert Island" pieces. However, he wrote within the general strictures of the Classical period, whereby the idea of music as a vehicle for "titanic" expression was unheard of, and where musical forms were strictly adhered to.
2. I disagree pretty strongly with your contention that Beethoven is a Classical composer. The Symphony #3 (Eroica) is pretty much universally considered to be the first true piece of Romantic music. While there are still some Classical elements there, they are totally gone in the Symphony #5, #7, #9. Beethoven's early work is Classical, it is true. While pleasant, it is for the most part rather nondescript work and was written under strong influence of Beethoven's (Classical) tutor, Haydn. Interestingly, Beethoven interspersed pieces more closely following the Classical traditions with his radical pieces. An example is the Symphony #4. Some say it was simply too creatively exhausting for him to continually write things like the #5 and #7.
3. Wagner is actually never uncontrolled when done correctly (often not the case). It is at times quite loud, and at times quite monotonous (he could have used an editor). But it's definitely an acquired taste.
4. Gamelan is popular all over Indonesia, originated there, although no one is quite sure if it originated in Bali or elsewhere. It is also popular in Thailand. Basically your surmise is correct, there is a basic theme articulated at the start of the piece and then the various members play with it. I find it pleasant for about 10-15 minutes or so but then I find it to be very monotonous. It's okay if they are using it as backup for classical dance but if just the orchestra I can do without it. If you go to the world music section of a large music store you can probably find a recording. |
