Submitted by The Computer Au... on Wed, 04/01/2009 - 17:25
A friend of mine sent me a link to this video few days ago. It's from the 2008 TED conference in Monterey California. The speaker is Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic. The topic is understanding classical music. Before you yawn and click over to the sports page of your favorite newspaper I suggest you give this video at least a few minutes. It's an education in classical music as told by, "A leading interpreter of Mahler and Beethoven [who] is known for his charisma and unyielding energy -- and for his brilliant pre-concert talks." Even if you don't have a San Francisco Symphony 2009-10 season subscription I'm willing to bet you'll this video entertaining nonetheless.
High Definition MP4 Video (238 MB)
Chris Connaker
Founder
Computer Audiophile
For me, this is a very compelling video. I'd never heard of Mr. Zander, but I'll be 'listening' for his work now.
- markr
Great video, what a lovely man! Will have to pass on to my wife when she gets home. The shoe thing I've heard before in sales but never used with music!
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I'm not big into classical music, but I do have a Telarc disc of Mahler's Symphony No. 5 with the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Zander. The music and sound are great.
But what's really great about this is the bonus disc on which Zander gives a 78-minute lecture on the Symphony with all kinds of background information about Mahler, his life circumstances/influences that went into the composition of this work and a discourse on the actual composition, breaking down each movement in terms of its overall meaning, technical aspects of the music, etc. all in a manner that anyone with just an elementary knowledge of music can understand. I've never heard anything in this league in terms of a 'master' giving a lesson on a classic peice of work that is so informative while having such clarity.
I believe Telarc has released a version of most - if not all - Mahler's Symphonies perfomed by a Zander-conducted orchestra and given the same treatment - a bonus disc containing a lecture on the peice by Zander.
Even if you're not especially into classical music I would encourage you to check out one of these discs!
Rance
Thanks for posting this interesting video, he's a great musical and a good speaker. Make me want to go sit in his audiences.
Howard.
I was at this program in the front row. Absolutely stunning experience. Ben did another appearance at TED this year where he conducted the entire audience in the most amazing rendition of Happy Birthday I have ever heard (sung to one person whose birthday it was). I am sure TED will put it up on their web site.
A TED talk a day will keep your brain energized. Check out the many different offerings. Attending is a highlight of my year.
Wow, I am extremely jealous! TED is one of the most inspirational events. I'm not fortunate enough to attend, but watching the videos can truly do wonders for a person's mind.
Chris Connaker
Founder
Computer Audiophile
Very nice video, I enjoyed watching it. Thanks.
I think I know that song....the bad guy in The Peace Maker is playing it with a student in the beginning of the movie, right? right?
I have to tell you I was never a big fan of clasical music until I heard Morart on the free HDTrack sample. I bought then Mozart download, now my wife thinks I am loosing my mind....hehehe.
vortecjr
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