Extrinsic's Classical Music List.

Extrinsic here. 

You know what makes me really sad?
A lot of people don't appreciate the beauty of classical music these days.
Some people don't even know how to differentiate classical music from a song that was recently composed for a traditionally classical instrument.

Let's get this straight folks: "The River Flows in You" is not classical music. I don't care if it's played on a piano, a violin, or even a lute. That song is not classical music.

So, for those of you who want to know what real classical music is (thank you guys), I've picked my favourite classical pieces just for you. Trust me, classical music has a very broad spectrum. It's not all Canon in D by Pachelbel, or Beethoven's Third Symphony, The Eroica (though both of these are excellent), there's so many other subcategories that fall under 'classical'. And I really wish people would give classical music more of a chance.

So without further ado, here is my list.

"Six Studies in English Folksong" on the Cello - Vaughn Williams
I have to say I adore this piece. I have the music for it on the viola, but there's something very alluring about it being played on the deep, sensual cello. Very beautiful piece. My favourite movement is the second song, "Spurn Point".

The "Dargason" (Finale from St. Paul's Suite) - Holst
This piece is so melodic and fun to play! I also have the music for this. Whenever I hear it, I get very energetic. Plus, the violin solo at the end always sends chills up my spine. Absolutely exhilarating.

19th and 20th Caprice on the Violin - Rode
The first time I heard the 19th caprice, it was a live practice audition for state by the concert master of my orchestra. He's a talented boy in the same grade as me-- Very talented. He played it remarkably well-- granted he's not near the player you hear in the recording, but for a 10th grader? It's very impressive! Of the two caprices, I prefer the 19th for its almost romantic quality, but the 20th is also a very, very nice listen.

"Vocalise" for the Violin and Orchestra - Rachmaninoff
This song... is probably the very essence of despair for me. It's so deep and has an aura of mystery, yet it pulls you in with something that every person on earth can relate to-- sadness. I actually played this piece in my orchestra last night-- no solo violinist, unfortunately, but still a beautiful piece either way.

"Passcaglia" for Violin and Viola - Handel
Being a violist myself, whenever I hear the sheer quality and skill of playing that is offered the violist in this video, I feel absolutely amazed. This song provides a stunning contrast between the viola and the violin-- I'm sure you've noticed the difference in tone, timbre, and depth. The viola is a beautifully rich, deep, and sensuous compared the the sharp, pristine, and clear voice of the violin. I hope you are able to appreciate the differences-- and no more excuses about not being able to tell the two apart!

"Meditation" from Thais, on the Cello - Massenet
I am very, very passionate about this song, having played it on the viola. Whenever I hear one of my fellow students play it, I always stress to them, "more passion! Get into it more!" Perhaps if one knew the context of the song, it would help. When you listen, please keep in mind that this is from an opera, and, when this is sung in the opera, the character who sings it is contemplating suicide. The song is the embodiment of despair, hope, and finally, resignation. I chose this version played by the world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma because of the richer tone that a cello has-- and I personally think it is better suited to portray the emotion in this piece.

"Gymnopedie no.1" on Piano - Erik Satie
A very simple song, yet it's so calming and relaxing. Quite possibly my favourite piano piece of all time for its sheer simplicity.



That is all I have for now-- all of my favourite classical pieces for your enjoyment. Please comment if you enjoyed these.

Thanks for keeping up with the blog!

Look Alikes! Pt. 1 - High School

I NOTICED THAT MOST OF THE NPC'S HAD PICO PARTS FOR FACES.

SO I WAS LIKE

"CHALLENGE ACCEPTED."

FIRST, SCHOOLOLOOL.

SCREW YOU, LIPSTICK. I AM A MAN.

SMIRKS ARE FOR JOCKS.

POMPADOUR? POMPADON'T.

THE INTENSITY OF GREENNESS IS AN INDICATION OF NERDITY.

WHAT'S THAT? IT'S NOT ACCURATE? A NERD? ME? NO, OF COURSE NOT.

I AM CAPSU. YOUR ARGUMENT IS INVALID.

ME = NOT FAT ENOUGH. IMPOSSIBLE.

LOOKS LIKE HIS GRANDSON.

YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY, OLD MAN.

CLOSE ENOUGH. BUT CUTER.

GROSS.

THIS ONE'S ACTUALLY PRETTY CONVINCING.

HEEEEY, MEEEGANE-SEMPAI.

BUT FAUST WANTS ME TO POST, AND CHISA WANTS IT TO BE ABOUT BUNNIES.

SO. SEE YOU NEXT TIME IN PART TWO!

School's almost out!

Extrinsic here. I really can't wait for school to finally be over. I'm ready to stop thinking. (laugh)

I met a lot of people thanks to Vivi recently! They're all very nice and I enjoy drawing with them and talking to them. ♫ So lately I've been in a very good mood, heheh.

The prom items are quite dashing. I'll have to find a way to get my hands on some AG so I can buy a nice suit or two. I'd look good in them, would I not?

I have nothing much more interesting to post other than I've started reading "Dune" by Frank Herbert. Great sci-fi novel so far.

So! Have some photos of Capsu and I, as well as Intrinsic and some other friends. These were all the way back from when we all first started pico together. Aah, so much has changed.

 Intrinsic and I way back when.

Poor Canari's left out.

 Huh-- What is this?!

 Canari and I looking like brothers.

Still looking like brothers.

Have a nice day, everyone. 

THREE HEADED VIVI

OH MY GOD,
CAN'T YOU SEE THE LOOK IN ITS EYES?
IT'S GOING TO EAT YOU

VIVIMONSUTAA-

Faust and Capsu Q&A Session!

Faust here.

I'm going to try out a little something. Ask either Capsu or me, Faust (Or Extrinsic), any question at all! I can't promise I'll answer all of them, but I will try to be as open as possible about my answers. :)

If you'd like to ask us a question, post a message with the question in it to either Extrinsic's room, or Capsu's room.

I look forward to your questions! Please come up with some fun ones!

Guten abend, Faust.