Welcome to General Chat - GAW Community Area
This General Chat area started off as a place for people to talk about things that are off topic, however it has quickly evolved into a community and has become an integral part of the GAW experience for many of us.
Based on its evolving needs and plenty of user feedback, we are trying to bring some order and institute some rules. Please make sure you read these rules and participate in the spirit of this community.
Rules for General Chat
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Be respectful to each other. This is of utmost importance, and comments may be removed if deemed not respectful.
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Avoid long drawn out arguments. This should be a place to relax, not to waste your time needlessly.
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Personal anecdotes, puzzles, cute pics/clips - everything welcome
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Please do not spam at the top level. If you have a lot to post each day, try and post them all together in one top level comment
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Try keep things light. If you are bringing in deep stuff, try not to go overboard.
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Things that are clearly on-topic for this board should be posted as a separate post and not here (except if you are new and still getting the feel of this place)
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If you find people violating these rules, deport them rather than start a argument here.
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Feel free to give feedback as these rules are expected to keep evoloving
In short, imagine this thread to be a local community hall where we all gather and chat daily. Please be respectful to others in the same way
Stuck at home because schools are closed due to weather. Can't do much about it as it is dangerous for buses to get through on back roads. Decided to use this time to go through my music inventory and clean things out. Presently listening to Johann Sebastian Bach organ works. Not sure if many of you are aware of this, but I have been listening to Bach since I was about 4, and can tell you unequivocally that Bach, with his favorite instrument, the grand pipe organ, developed a language as close to that of God as one mere mortal can get. If you are not familiar, I would recommend the entire Bach collection available as performed by Sir Simon Preston. My God, it is so uplifting I often think I have left my skin while listening to some of the pieces. Just thought I would throw this in here, granted it being a little unusual.
Would tend to agree. I love Beethoven and have an extensive collection, but when it comes down to it, I would pick Bach because he was the first to tap into the notion that classical music is the voice of God.
I became a fan of Bach listening to public radio while I studied. Will have to check this out.
It is, indeed, a rabbit hole worth going down. Nearly everyone is familiar with his famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, but another one that will get your goat is his first organ concerto. My God, it is superb. I listen to it and am reminded of one of the things Bach said on his deathbed: "My God, forgive me, my only hope was to educate them [referring to mankind]." I would argue that he did, and then some. His music is more powerful now than it ever was when he was alive.
Thanks. No expert of Bach, but I'm a huge fan of fugues, and the way they play with sounds. Guess he's kind of the originator.
Appreciate the recommendation on performer... As a classical novice, I've always felt knowing the best performances was leagues ahead of my understanding, and my gut instinct is that when one reaches a certain level of listening acumen, that becomes increasingly important.
But it always helps to just start with the best. 😃
You're welcome. I came across Sir Simon years ago, and can tell you, he is one of the best. The way he coaxes the instrument, exploring all its nuances, is superb. If you do develop a liking, by all means, enjoy!
Toccata and Fugue in D is something else, as you say Vindicator63, as close as we will get to hearing the voice of God this side of the veil.
I have a confession to make: I have a tricked out 2011 Crown Victoria. Great stereo [3 amps, two subs, two 6x9's and two 6.5's] and here in east Tennessee, there are plenty of winding mountain roads. I put on Bach, in addition to the piece you mentioned. There's nothing like flooring it, driving on those roads, listening to Bach organ music. Man, I live for that shit. :)