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More Dumb "Classical" Stereotypes

As little as I know about "classical" music (in the Tower Records sense of the word) even I get bored and offended to hear people say "I LOVE "classical" music -- it's so RELAXING!!" Isn't more baroque music is played in coffee shops and dentist offices to "relax" people? I find Stravinsky quite fascinating and wonderful, but certainly not "relaxing." Whatever the distinctions or period confusion I have, I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations for "classical" music that you find relaxing and conducive to concentration and/or happy "classical" music that fills you with energy and optimism. Obviously, a great recording would be an added bonus.
cwlondon

Showing 3 responses by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Make a tape, or burn a CD of the second movement of all of Mozart's Piano concertos.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Also very relaxing is Wagner's Siegfried Idyll. Wagner wrote this for his wife as a gift when their son was born. He hired musicians to play it on the steps of his Villa on Christmas morining. How romantic!
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
We're forgeting recommendations. For Schubertmaniac I recommend the Trout with Clifford Curzon and members of the Vienna Octet. It has been in the record catalogs continuously since its release in 1957. Curzon's solo Schubert piano sonatas are also great, as well as an older recording by Ashkenazy on Decca/London Classic Sound. I'll add Schubert Trios with the Beaux Arts Trio. Mozart Piano concertos either Curzon again, Perahia, or Uchida. Wagner's Siegfried Idyll, the most unique performance is a 1983 recording conducted by Glenn Gould. It was Glenn Gould's conducting debut. He died shortly later, so its also hes only conducting effort.
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