Seeking Recommendations

[Afire]

Greetings,

I am seeking to expand my appreciation of music; especially material composed by God fearing souls. Not necessarily music of a devotional nature, for there are abundant sources of information of this kind. I wish to avoid wordly music that glorifies man and celebrates death and debauchery; even music that falls under the umbrella of the classical tradition. So I require discriminating recommendations.

For example, the obviously dark theme and tone of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique is something I most definitely wish to avoid. But even music that ostensibly seems wholesome and uplifting, like Beethoven's Ode for Joy, I fear carries a subtle agenda that only now is finding full expression in the work of contemporary performers.

In short, I wish to avoid material that contains hidden esoteric symbolism, no matter how attractive such music might be.

So if there are any artists like Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel, that someone could recommend, I would be appreciative.

Thanks.

 

[Jeff4life]

BACH AND HANDEL!!! Oh.. darn...

 

[markb77]

I believe you'll really have to do some research and digging to find music that will meet your criteria. Best of luck with that.

 

[Afire]

Yes, I've been furthering my research. I feel comfortable listening to what I would consider neutral artists like Ravel, Gershwin, and Richard Rogers.

I borrowed from my library The Best Vivaldi 100, which should keep me going for a long time.

 

[Beechwell]

I don't really understand which music you see as negative, but - if you don't know it already - I would certainly recommend Charles Gounod's Cecilia Mass, since it is certainly both spiritual and uplifting.

As for "worldly" music, have you tried
Franz Schubert (I particularly like his songs, but you may need to know German to fully appreciate them),
Johannes Brahms (also with spiritual music, like A German Requiem),
Aaron Copland (his Appalachian Spring heavily features the Simple Gifts theme),
Ralph Vaughn-Williams (try A Sea Symphony and Lark Ascending),
Antonin Dvorak (has alo written a series of Biblical Songs, based on psalms, which I am unfamiliar with, though),
Felix Mendelson-Bartholdy (Psalm 42, as the deer cries for fresh water, so my soul cries, God for you...)

 

[Afire]

I don't really understand which music you see as negative, but - if you don't know it already - I would certainly recommend Charles Gounod's Cecilia Mass, since it is certainly both spiritual and uplifting.

As for "worldly" music, have you tried
Franz Schubert (I particularly like his songs, but you may need to know German to fully appreciate them),
Johannes Brahms (also with spiritual music, like A German Requiem),
Aaron Copland (his Appalachian Spring heavily features the Simple Gifts theme),
Ralph Vaughn-Williams (try A Sea Symphony and Lark Ascending),
Antonin Dvorak (has alo written a series of Biblical Songs, based on psalms, which I am unfamiliar with, though),
Felix Mendelson-Bartholdy (Psalm 42, as the deer cries for fresh water, so my soul cries, God for you...)

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm just trying to avoid occultic/pagan/illuminati influence and still enjoy music.

 

[RickG]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm just trying to avoid occultic/pagan/illuminati influence and still enjoy music.

Practically everything written during the Baroque (1600-1750) period should fit your criteria.

 

[PutYourLoveGlassesOn]

Beckah Shae. She has some very good music.

 

[2PinkEllies]

Arvo Pärt is one of my favorite composers, and should meet your criteria.

 

[Afire]

Cool, thanks. I love his Cantus piece.

 

[musicalpilgrim]

Hi Alfie,
Bach was a great man of God, try his Brandenburg concertos, Baroque music was specially written to have a calming effect and not to give sudden changes and unsettling/ disturbing effects which is what I think you don't like.
There is a lot of Christian Spiritual music around and a surge of CD's of Gregorian chanting of the psalms, hymns and the sung parts of the Communion services that are a taste of heaven!
Enjoy, let me know how you get on...from a musical pilgrim...

 

[JazzAnarchy]

La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin - Debussy

I like it when it's played really slowly (it's my favorite classical piece), but I'm a big fan of expressionist music, anyway, like Debussy, Dvorak, etc.

Also try Claire de Lune - Debussy

 

[StormHawk]

Here's a bit of Latin sung by english people.

In case your latin is a bit weak: translation.

 

[PrincessBrideOfChrist]

Handel's Messiah is a masterpiece!

I actually learned to appreciate classical music through musicals...

Try les miserables. Great Christian theme of redemption and restoration.

 

[markb77]

Here's a bit of Latin sung by english people.

In case your latin is a bit weak: translation.

Thanks for the translation. I lived in Germany in the mid 70s, and Radio Luexmbourg would sometimes play this during the Christmas season. I've always loved the Span's version of it. Oddly, I only have one Christmas CD (out of hundreds) that actually has this song on it. Thanks again for sharing this.

 

[DaPhotoGuy]

I'd love to know what you find.

 

[iandelano]

It all depends on your criteria, we have different opinions though there are times are opinions will coincide.