100 Pieces of Classical Music is a book for those of us who kind of know that we should get into classical music but perhaps it can be too serious and long, and we don’t really know what we’re doing! Historian Tim Bouverie has created a compilation of 100 classical masterpieces that are sure to move, and be enjoyed by almost everyone. Some are well-known and others are hidden gems, waiting to be brought to light. All are intended to comfort and inspire, and you’ll find a short introduction to each piece, plus a recommended recording to try.
Discover Putumayo World Music
Good music is needed, and if you tire of the same-old playlists, treat yourself to one or more CDs or downloads from Putumayo, which creates the best world music compilations in the world. If you like world music, subscribe to Songlines magazine. Past Perfect offers good remastered classics from Sinatra to Garland.
Note some musical instruments are made with animal strings, so choose vegan violin strings and for harps. You can also find biodegradable guitar plectrums (avoid tortoiseshell).
How Classical Music can Heal and Soothe
The Schubert Treatment is a moving reflection on the extraordinary powr of music to enrich our lives, all the way to the end. This book by an art therapist shows how playing the cello can have profound effects on children with autism, patients in pain or distress, and even people on the threshold of death. In this book, Claire Oppert recounts her story of healing the suffering of others through playing music, alongside portraits of people she has helped.
Born into a family of doctors and artists, she trained as a classical cellist and after playing the cello at a centre for autistic children, she saw how music could connect with even the most difficult-to-reach patients. After working as an art therapist for people with neurodegenerative diseases (and patients in pallitative care), this led her to conduct clinical trials to prove the effect of her ‘Schubert treatment’ that used music as a counter-stimulation to pain and anxiety.
These lyrical vignettes of patients whose lives she touched are punctuated with anecdotes from her own life as a musician, as well as reflections on the meaning of art and the human need for connection and creativity. Compassionate, uplifting and deeply humane, this book is a testament to the incredible power of music to heal our bodies, minds and souls.
Along with teaching music, Clair speaks at medical schools and universities, and has authored several scientific publications, focusing on links between art and medicine. She has recorded seven albums and won many prizes. She lives in France.
Hire an Acoustic (Unplugged) Band
Hire a local acoustic band to serenade at your special event, rather than tinny loud music by professional DJs or booming speakers. These are becoming really popular, as a way to support local indie musicians, and prevent noise pollution from booming bass sounds throughout the neighbourhood.
Music for London has more information. Acoustic concerts have no power supply, the host simply offers food and drink, and the players are paid from the donations or payment given. The sound is kept organic (these are professional musicias with talent). Most still use amplifiers so people can hear them, but the sound is not overpowering.
Bands are usually 2 to 5 people and prices are consistent with hiring a professional band. This is so that talented musicians can actually make a living, rather than work in an office job they hate, and save their talent for the weekends.
