a long awaited conclusion...

[Chris]

I think you are way, waaaaaaaaay over-thinking this. Do you enjoy classical music? Then listen to it. Do you not? Don't listen to it. It's not about understanding, and it's not even really about emotions. Do you think all the people who went to hear concerts of Beethoven's music in his day were concerned about these issues? No, they just wanted to hear some good music. One can study music, investigate it, analyze it. Or just simply enjoy it. There's no one single way to experience music, and no real point in trying to force one way on yourself just for the sake of doing it, or because you somehow think you are supposed to. Even infants enjoy and get something from classical music, so you can be sure that whatever gifts you have or do not have, there can be something in it for you too.

[Preston]

Preston, just keep listening. A true understanding will come of that. One can analyze a work to death and never come away realizing what the work means to him/her. The understanding has more to do with how you react to the music and how it impacts your life.

All too true, Sorrano. I thank you most kindly for your response.

Yes, the feelings/emotions are, to my mind, the primary thing when listening to any music. Though, that is the very problem. I am having trouble finding the feelings/emotions within classical. It is something about the writing style of a lot of classical I think? I do not wholly understand why I am having such trouble feeling it well.

I have compiled a very short list of pieces of music from YouTube. I find great enjoyment in this most peaceful and meditative music, imo. Though, when it comes to classical, I cannot say that. Even though I know that it is there, and most importantly- to a far greater degree.

The reason I compiled the short list is to see if any of you can tell why I enjoy this music so much, though am having trouble with the classical? I would be most appreciative if someone would be willing to take the time to listen, briefly, and then respond.

- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKsoQ6O8jI0
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25i56AWtFqk
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x-wyp1vDGI
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om_BKWttz18

There is something different about the contemporary "mood" music that gets to me? But why not my most treasured music- classical!

Sorrano, I cannot continue to listen as I was. Simply because I feel as if I am getting nowhere.

Thank you again, Sorrano.

[Sorrano]

Preston, just keep listening. A true understanding will come of that. One can analyze a work to death and never come away realizing what the work means to him/her. The understanding has more to do with how you react to the music and how it impacts your life.

[Preston]

I'm sorry to learn about your predicament, Preston, as music obviously gives you pleasure. You do not need a music degree to appreciate Beethoven - he speaks directly to the heart. Yes, many of the people on this site, including Philip, are good-hearted people as you rightly suggest. We are all music-lovers and this speaks volumes about people anyway! Good luck.

Bonn, I was only joking with Philip! Of course, I know he is good-hearted. Notice the smiling wink icon. It was a joke. Philip, I hope you picked up on it!? I thought it was quite obvious.

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Either way, thank you. Yes, Beethoven can speak to the heart, and oh so deeply. It is hard to imagine music as deep and compassionate as Beethoven's.

It is just with Beethoven (and much other classical music) my heart, or more, my ears seem to be incapable of deeply affecting my heart through classical music. Sadly. It is really devastating for me.

So, therefore, I must stop listening, for the most part.

I wanted to raise the subject because I have been posting on this forum for over 4 years!

[Bonn1827]

I'm sorry to learn about your predicament, Preston, as music obviously gives you pleasure. You do not need a music degree to appreciate Beethoven - he speaks directly to the heart. Yes, many of the people on this site are good-hearted people, as you rightly suggest. I think you misunderstand Philip - he really has a cheeky sense of humour! We are all music-lovers and this speaks volumes about people anyway! Good luck.

[Preston]

I have listened with all of my heart to Beethoven's music for years. I have the deepest respect for Beethoven as a human-being and as an artist. I had no greater desire than to feel his music, to be moved by such glorious tones. Though, my desire turned out to be to great, for me.

While I will continue to listen to classical music occasionally. I have come to the conclusion that, as of now, Beethoven is not really for me- simply because I do not understand it. This saddens me terribly. To be stripped away from one of my most important dreams- Beethoven's music. His music is simply to advanced and complex for me, and I lack the talent and ear to understand it. OH, how I longed to understand what he was saying with the music!

For all of you who do have the feeling for his music- I salute you, truly.

Most all of you are very good hearted and caring people, except for Philip, . I will continue posting on the forum, though probably not as often as I would like to.