Welcome to The Rhythm Section! The aim of this blog is to celebrate how music has shaped people’s lives over the years. Or, in the case of the Culture Club slot. centuries! How do you like a bit of classical?
Each week, I’ll present a tiny snippet from the enormous world of classical music. Usually, classical has a soothing, chilled effect, but beware: I may throw some curve balls at you! So, under that broad description of “classical”, expect anything!
The common thread, I hope, is your enjoyment.
A far more lightweight piece this week. From Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843 – 1907), From the Peer Gint suite, written in 1867 to accompany Henrik Ibsen’s play of the same name, this is Anitra’s Dance.
Okay, a tiny question for you. Post if you wish, but a simple comment will do. So, this piece was composed to accompany a play. Do you like theatre? What’s your favourite play?
The Rhythm Section 
Yet to witness a theater performance. Maybe soon.
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Depends on the performance but no beating that live atmosphere.
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I love theatre, but I have an unrelated question. The conductor seemed quite animated, is that usual, or is that part of the performance?
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No it’s pretty usual. They’re an animated bunch, those conductors.
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It depends on the conductor but it’s pretty usual, especially if the music is their composition. Just check out Bernstein some time. Gives a whole new meaning to “I got the music in me”!
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I agree with Nancy. It somewhat similar to the “schools” of performing piano; we’ve got the German school, of strict, no ” unneccessary ” movement, more classically orthodox and then there is the more free approach in form.
I guess that for me it all boils down to the authenticity of said approach.
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Excellent comparison, Nick!
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This is incredible, Pete! I’ve heard this piece so many times but today I really concentrated on the concept of it being incidental music.
There were times I could hear Tchaikovsky, other times I heard Strauss, even a little Prokofiev thrown in for good measure. It’s a classic! And Grieg was no small potatoes, either. Something like 50,000 people attended his funeral; kinda puts things in perspective.
I’ve always been fascinated with the composers of music for plays – George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Leonard Bernstein, Cole Porter, etc. Its been a long time since I went to the theater but there’s one play (and movie) which will always be in my top 3 … West Side Story. Here’s one of my favorite scenes from WSS.
Great post, Pete! 💫
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I am really happy, how well-received these slots seem to be. Clearly my own passion is shared by many others.
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It’s a great piece, Pete! What’s not to like? This is MUSIC! 🎶
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I’m a huge theatre goer and my favorite genre of theatre are musicals because they combine singing with a storyline. I don’t have a favorite musical but my fav playwright is Shakespeare 😁
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I never liked Shakespeare. I don’t like the ballet either. If I had to choose between Shakespeare or Mel Brooks, Mel would win every time! You know the song The Lady Is a Tramp? Nuff said! 😂
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I never got into Shakespeare, but nothing whatever to do with him. He writes in what is almost a foreign language these days, so do I want to spend time learning that language when there are so many other things to do in life?
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Nancy sacrilege 😱😂Mel gets better the older I get. Really any theater I would go see these days
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You and your musicals 😀
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You’ll come around .. eventually 😁
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I have enjoyed, Pete, that you’ve gotten off the beaten path with Grieg, aka Morning Mood from Peer Gynt.
Theatre? Yes, please. Especially, now that my wife has found one that was recently renovated in the style of classical theaters and she books a balcony booth with 4 seats only…ideal to watch with a couple of friends!
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Nice…
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Absolutely exquisite piece. I played this for my Level 6 final exam. I never progressed beyond Level 7 though. Wasn’t talented enough to compete with those around me. Favourite theatre is Glyndebourne because of all the traditions associated with it: picnic on the lawns; welly throwing; brollies; blankets; and classical opera of course. And besides, Glyndebourne is local.
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They did or do a music festival hereabouts along those same lines. As in, rock up with your picnic… I’m guessing it is classical but never really took much notice.
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What instrument to you play, Misky?
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Piano. And tuba. And bass drum. And a triangle. But mostly the piano.
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You’re a one-woman band! I play the piano, too, and the organ but had to give up the organ after my knee replacement. It was impossible for me to move my legs fast enough to play the foot pedals 😞. I play the piano when my hands cooperate. It’s not quite the same as it once was but I try.
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I can’t play the piano anymore either. Fingers are too achy.
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I embrace your pain. Literally. 🎹
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Fairly local to me too! It’s an amazing venue.
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Yes, it truly is!
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It’s dancing time. Anita’s Dance is so beautiful, and fascinating to watch the artists as well.
Thanks for the WSS clip N.! Who doesn’t love that dance!!
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Yes I can easily imagine waltzing away to this.
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My pleasure,D! It’s one of my top three musicals along with JC Superstar and Carousel. That soliloquy gets to me every time!
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Reblogged this on The Elephant's Trunk and commented:
Mr. Bump treated us
to a beauty today.
Check it out! 🎶
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Reblogged this on Mister Bump and commented:
some classical, anyone?
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Musical theatre sits somewhere between the classical and pop genres. Me? I’m an opera buff, can’t get enough of it.
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👍🏻
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My childhood home was filled with the glorious sounds of DiStefano, Gigli, Caruso, etc. Now my son is an opera singer. The circle of life.
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What’s a good one to seek out? For a noob? I saw one once (I think it was Traviata) but found it very heavy-going. But I do like hearing excerpts of opera, so maybe something a bit fluffier would suit me better?
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