I want to talk about classical music. When I use the term classical music, I am referring J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, et cetera. You know what I am talking about, with the violins and the flutes and the French horns and such. Let’s not forget the choirs and the big fancy productions and the costumes and what have you. This music still holds an important place in modern society. Even though its roots and the height of its popularity began long before any of us were born, it’s still a sound that everyone should at least try to understand.

My first encounters with classical music occurred like many other peoples; I was watching Bugs Bunny create chaos and wreak havoc, as Bugs is prone to do. Do you guys remember that one bit where Bugs is harassing that oafish looking dude who is just trying to sing a tune from The Marriage of Figaro? Or that one where Elmer Fudd and Bugs do a whole Wagner Rise of the Valkyries thing? Or the infamous head massage dance Bugs does on Fudd’s head in that episode “Rabbit of Seville”? Those were my earliest encounters with classical music. Add to that the various Tom & Jerry bits and Fantasia 2000 (circa 1999) and you can say I was pretty saturated. These variations were fun and entertaining. They brought life to a music that I thought was ultimately dull and outdated. But here is what I learned.

Reaching out and embracing classical music was one of the best decisions young Kris ever made. Classical music is thrilling. It’s compelling. It challenges its listeners to think and imagine and create. It exposes the listener to whole new worlds and cultures. There are pieces that have the ability to depict whole landscapes and realities, like Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony (aptly titled “Pastoral”).

Yes, I understand that some pieces can start off a little slow or a little uninteresting but that almost always leads to something bold and fantastic. I know folks who have written some very interesting stories based off of classical pieces they listened to. Classical music is also good for studying to or reading to. I have had more than a few friends tell me that when they listen to classical music while studying, they remember things better; they process information easier. Have you heard the Adagietto movement from Mahler’s Fifth Symphony? No? Go do it. Now. So calming. So serene. Some of the best film soundtracks feature classical music or contemporary classical music (Think: John Williams’ Harry Potter, Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings, and Hans Zimmer’s Pirates of the Caribbean)

If your reason for not listening to classical music is that there’s just so much to pick from, ask one of your classically inclined friends to help. Don’t have any of those? There are plenty of good YouTube compilations that feature some of the most popular pieces ever composed. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is always a good one to start off with, it being – arguably – the most popular piece in the canon today. Want to get real exposed? Try Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Just try something. If you don’t like that first piece, try another one. If you would rather hear these pieces live, try to attend a concert put on by your local orchestra. My local orchestra, the Terre Haute Symphony, has free admission for college students. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has 10$ concerts on a regular basis. My university has regular recitals that are always free to attend. There are endless possibilities!

There is a piece out there for everyone. You can do it! Happy Listening!