What classical music means to me

Summary

The author shares a personal journey of passion for classical music, influenced by a performance of Tchaikovsky's violin concerto by Maxim Vengerov, and emphasizes the joy and benefits of playing and listening to classical music.

Abstract

The author expresses a profound love for classical music, rooted in a childhood experience of hearing Maxim Vengerov's rendition of Tchaikovsky's violin concerto. This encounter led to a deep appreciation for Vengerov's work and a lifelong affinity for the genre. The author, a violinist since the age of seven, has played in various orchestras, including the Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands, and currently performs with the Orchestra of Utrecht. They describe the joy of making music with others and the personal benefits of playing and listening to classical music, such as achieving peace with one's body, maintaining a cheerful disposition, and experiencing profound happiness.

Opinions

Classical music, particularly Vengerov's interpretation of Tchaikovsky, has had a significant impact on the author's life.
Playing the violin and participating in orchestras has been a source of joy and camaraderie.
The author believes that classical music has therapeutic benefits, such as promoting inner peace and happiness.
Engaging with classical music is seen as a way to connect with the emotions and intentions of the composers.
The author values the role of family support in nurturing their musical talent and passion.
Classical music is described as a fundamental aspect of the author's life, shaping their identity and emotional well-being.

What classical music means to me

Classical music is one of my favourite music genres to listen to!! I have played — and still, play the violin since I am seven years old. Since my sister played me a CD (yes, back then, there were still CD’s!) of the Tsjaikovski violin concerto. This was played by the Russian violinist Maxim Vengerov! And I immediately loved it very much that I wanted to all his recordings. This was during Christmas when I was about nine years old. Since then I am a huge fan of his.

Joy and fun But there is another reason why I like classical music: I play the violin myself as I said. At the age of eight, I started playing in my very first orchestra. We played music from different kind of genres, like The Pirates of the Carribean, Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart, and so on. But that was the foundation of the love and affection for classical music. I also have played in different orchestras, one of them is the Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands and we went on tour as well.

Now I play in Orchestra of Utrecht. We play so much classical music. It’s the joy I have and the fun with other musicians to make music and to play the music how the composer had the melodies in mind.

Benefits of playing and listening to classical music There are some additional reasons to play and to listen to classical music. And these are some personal experience: 1. Peace with your body. 2. Smile all day long. 3. It makes you happy.

Peace with your body When I play the violin, I feel some peace in my body. It’s like there is nothing on my mind then the connection with the music and even what the composer must have felt during the process of composing the music. Like I have been there when he composed it. Yes, I am an empathised person who feels things deeply.

Smile all day long Like I said, I feel some peace in my body. And when I’m at peace with my body I feel some happiness. Then I can smile all day long! I realise how fortunate I am that my parents let me play the violin and participate in playing with other musicians in orchestras. It is also a foundation of my life!

It makes you happy I can not deny it, but as I already told you, I will get happy when I play or listen to classical music!! I smile, I cry when the music hurts me or gets deep into my soul.

What kind of music helps you through life? What kind of music genre do you like and why?