Sometimes it’s a good to change up music listening habits to get some fresh perspectives on life. This wasn’t something I thought too much about until reading an online article in Medium Daily Digest four days ago. Titled “Stop Listening To Music, It Will Change Your Life” by Mil Hornaert certainly sounded intriguing, although disconcerting at the same time. As I continued reading, I realized he didn’t say that he stopped listening to music altogether, but is now much more selective about his music choices for improved, refreshed mental health.
This made more sense and definitely provided some food for thought. Hornaert pointed out that most modern music had become “degenerate” to him, appealing to base desires, which has negative effects on our subconscious brains whether we admit it or not. While I agree this could be the case – this reflects more his own viewpoints which he agrees are not based on scientific studies. He also believes that not listening to music will help a person ultimately sleep better (a song won’t get stuck in your head playing over and over), will help maintain better work habits and results by staying in the right “flow” state (not being distracted with music in your mind).
Of course, we can easily argue that being glued to our phone or tv screens has the same negative effects as mentioned above with music. However, that is also another discussion. Hornaert also stated that ending music subscriptions like Spotify, removing music apps, and putting away speakers will greatly reduce temptations to constantly have music available. Interestingly, he went on to say that if stopping all listening is too much – then try listening to music without text instead. By this he means switching to music without lyrics, containing only instrumentals like epic or classical genres.
While pondering all of this I decided to go through a bunch storage boxes and found some classical Family Circle music cds that I hadn’t listened to in ages. I started playing these again while cleaning and puttering around the house and realized that it was good to change up my listening habits (at least for awhile). The Classics Sampler CD was a good place to begin. It starts out with the softly lilting and then rousing tones of “By The Beautiful Blue Danube” by Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, one of the better known musicians of the 19th century. In fact, this composition dating back to 1866 is among the most famous waltz creations and has an uplifting, timeless appeal.
It was a good choice for the CD’s introductory track and has been used countless times in films and television, an orchestra favorite the world over. Of the nine songs on the Classics Sampler “Fantasia On Greensleeves” by English composer Vaughn Williams (also a prominent composer of the 19th century) is my favorite and has a dreamy, soothing quality that can help calm frazzled nerves. Other delights from this compilation such as “Stranger In Paradise” by Russian composer Alexander Borodin (once again, renowned in the 19th century) offer the temptation to run through a lush, gorgeous meadow of flowers.
Through classical music is where the listener grasps how violins are such a vital component of classical music – and the Family Circle Classics Sampler does not disappoint. Although I enjoy this CD a great deal, the Morning Favorites compilation helps best to brighten up the start of my day. The appropriately titled “Morning” is the first entry of the fourteen tracks. “Morning” is helpful with wiping those cobwebs of sleep away and gave me the impression that I would enjoy wandering through a fragrant evergreen forest playing a flute! The fourth entry “Humoresque” from 1894 by Antonin Dvorak is a valued example of piano in classical music creation – and while being a catchy tune will not likely keep you up all night!
“The Swan” is a wonderful, thoughtful blend of violin and piano which can also be viewed on YouTube with Yo-Yo Ma playing the violin and Kathryn Stott on piano. In fact, everything I’ve discussed from these CD’s (and more) can all be found on YouTube for those who don’t like or don’t buy music anymore. However, my little journey through classical music these past few days has been a welcome change of pace that I will always enjoy coming back to from time to time. You might check it out as well.
