Classical music. I will give a brief synopsis of different types of music here. If we look at much of Western classical music a good chunk is Christian; whether we look at J.S. Bach and his weekly church music produced prolifically; Mendelssohn; Brahms; and of course Handel's Messiah. When it comes to opera in my time (and I'm pretty old) it was already considered boring and unless you are going to Juliard or of a peculiar musical pursuasion it probably isn't your cup of tea and hence doesn't have any big effect. Of course you can't understand what the heck they are saying in foreign tongue most of the time. This would have been considered the introduction of the "romantic" music of the time; and themes of sacrificial (or suicidal) love are seen in Romeo and Juliet. These were theatrical performances; not likely purposely developed to induce suicidal behavior. Themes of war are seen in Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture which show in some ways glorification of the victor in a war; and patriotism. Patriotism in some way is dangerous; apparently Francis Bellamy wrote the pledge; I had thought he was an atheist but he was considered a Christian socialist. I'll let the audience hash that one out. At any rate there isn't much music that seems to move people at least in our country related to Patriotic themes; and it is sad since we don't appreciate sacrifices made in our behalf and we see disrespect in general to any authority. Overall and with studies on life expectancy proving it; classical music in general is the best music of all types to listen to to live a long life. My own life is a case in point; as my Dad at 94 still appreciates this music even though his only other entertainment of late is patterns of cars in the parking lot.
Ragtime and jazz and the commercialization of the early 20th century
When it comes to all sorts of unseemly hangouts and habits starting in the "roaring 20s" such as burlesque.
Classical music. I will give a brief synopsis of different types of music here. If we look at much of Western classical music a good chunk is Christian; whether we look at J.S. Bach and his weekly church music produced prolifically; Mendelssohn; Brahms; and of course Handel's Messiah. When it comes to opera in my time (and I'm pretty old) it was already considered boring and unless you are going to Juliard or of a peculiar musical pursuasion it probably isn't your cup of tea and hence doesn't have any big effect. Of course you can't understand what the heck they are saying in foreign tongue most of the time. This would have been considered the introduction of the "romantic" music of the time; and themes of sacrificial (or suicidal) love are seen in Romeo and Juliet. These were theatrical performances; not likely purposely developed to induce suicidal behavior. Themes of war are seen in Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture which show in some ways glorification of the victor in a war; and patriotism. Patriotism in some way is dangerous; apparently Francis Bellamy wrote the pledge; I had thought he was an atheist but he was considered a Christian socialist. I'll let the audience hash that one out. At any rate there isn't much music that seems to move people at least in our country related to Patriotic themes; and it is sad since we don't appreciate sacrifices made in our behalf and we see disrespect in general to any authority. Overall and with studies on life expectancy proving it; classical music in general is the best music of all types to listen to to live a long life. My own life is a case in point; as my Dad at 94 still appreciates this music even though his only other entertainment of late is patterns of cars in the parking lot.
Ragtime and jazz and the commercialization of the early 20th century
When it comes to all sorts of unseemly hangouts and habits starting in the "roaring 20s" such as burlesque.
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