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0 pointshxa724114y ago0 comments

No, this is quite right. Classical music is as bloated, heavy-handed, and decadent as Java. Good music is found in the 16th century and earlier, and in the 20th century and later. We can see this maps to software: good ideas are to be found in the 70s and earlier, and in some hoped-for new era yet to come . . .

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2 comments · 2 top-level

Goladus14y ago

Check out Haydn's "Lord Nelson" mass, specifically the recording by Banchetto Musicale (it's very light and clear). For the antithesis of heavy-handedness, pay attention to movements 2, 4, 5, 7, and 12. But the whole thing is only about 40 minutes and really easy enjoy start to finish, especially since those movements I mentioned are meant to contrast with the slower ones.

Movement 5, while not my favorite, is especially notable for being a canon at the 5th. It's quick, fun, the imitative counterpoint is very easy to hear, and at a minute-forty, hardly overstays its welcome.

Overall though, Western music between Bach's death in 1750 and Beethoven was anything BUT bloated and heavy-handed. Balance, taste, and clarity were highly valued.

jtolle14y ago

You need to go get yourself a recording of Rubinstein playing Chopin's Nocturnes. Hurry!

EDIT: I seek no arguments. Wikipedia says nocturnes are generally thought of as "expressive and lyrical". Surely that should be of interest to hackers...

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