People's conceptions of other people who listen to classical music...??.

[Sherman90]

I listen to a fair bit of Chopin, Bach, etc. at low volume through a pair of half-decent external speakers while doing desk work. As the new kid on the block, my portion of the office is shared with a number of young'ish, slightly-less-than-30 year-old girls who all find me rather inscrutable as a result.

I've always been extremely sensitive to music (and my musical surroundings), so I'm often concerned - in case others are the same way - if my musical tastes are causing my co-workers consternation. I'm primarily concerned about the younger cats, I suppose, as a few of the seniors have already paused to listen and comment amicably on a number of occasions.

Since most of you probably listen to contemporary music, care to share your thoughts on how you would feel sharing a space with a fan of "classical" music (I hate that term)? There are certainly occasions where I sense that the Lady Gaga tune a few desks over is being turned up to kill what owns her.

 

[tagutcow]

The popular conception of people who listen to classical music is Hannibal Lechter.

 

[Don Carlos]

Originally Posted by tagutcow

The popular conception of people who listen to classical music is Hannibal Lechter.

+1

I had a music teacher in undergrad ("Clapping for Credit," as the class was popularly known) who looked, acted, and appreciated music pretty much identically to Hannibal Lecter. It was eerie.

 

[JayJay]

Classical music is the only type of music I can have on while I work, all other types of music distracts me.

 

[Concordia]

Classical music distracts me. Which can be a good thing at times, but I tend not to leave it on as wallpaper.

 

[hootdocta5]

Using words like inscrutable and consternation probably doesn't help your case.

 

[Suave]

it makes me go to sleep

 

[Sherman90]

Originally Posted by hootdocta5

Using words like inscrutable and consternation probably doesn't help your case.

You're right.

Sub "interesting" and "to wet their pants in frustration."

 

[word]

I play classical and ambient techno/electronic (I've picked out about 200 tracks of stuff w/o any heavy beats and let it fly on shuffle) at work. Ambient works great as background music. I enjoy it because you can pay close attention to the music and it becomes very engaging. At the same time you can tune it out and it won't distract you very much. If somebody comes to talk to you it's often slow or aimless enough that they won't care about it.

Classical is generally more engaging, I play it on very slow days. I've been called pretentious for liking it though. But the guy that said that plays screamo all day and is generally not well liked by anybody within earshot of his work area. But to be honest I don't know that much about classical. I just copied all my aunts CDs.

Most people get confused when somebody listens to music on their own accord instead of what the riaa spoon feeds them. So I don't know what to tell you. As long as it isn't genuinely distracting co-workers just keep doin your thing. I'd avoid getting into music arguments because everybody on the planet feels their music preferences make them a special sunflower.

 

[Sherman90]

Originally Posted by word

Most people get confused when somebody listens to music on their own accord instead of what the riaa spoon feeds them. So I don't know what to tell you. As long as it isn't genuinely distracting co-workers just keep doin your thing. I'd avoid getting into music arguments because everybody on the planet feels their music preferences make them a special sunflower.

Interesting. My observations track well with your own.

FWIW, I intentionally choose classical pieces that are not difficult to digest - nocturnes, lute suites, etc. The more "engaging" stuff I leave for home.

Sometimes, just for kicks I put on some of Ariel Pink's lo-fi garage recordings (you guys familiar with his stuff?) just to see if I can get a rise out of my co-workers.

I really do wish more were done to impress upon kids the means/"worthwhileness" of becoming familiar with classical music. If they only knew how much beauty and personal fulfillment is dormant in the thousands and thousands of recordings we have...

 

[AgentQ]

If you're in a professional environment, you really shouldn't be playing music on loudspeakers at all.

 

[deadly7]

Originally Posted by Sherman90

Interesting. My observations track well with your own.

FWIW, I intentionally choose classical pieces that are not difficult to digest - nocturnes, lute suites, etc. The more "engaging" stuff I leave for home.

Sometimes, just for kicks I put on some of Ariel Pink's lo-fi garage recordings (you guys familiar with his stuff?) just to see if I can get a rise out of my co-workers.

I really do wish more were done to impress upon kids the means/"worthwhileness" of becoming familiar with classical music. If they only knew how much beauty and personal fulfillment is dormant in the thousands and thousands of recordings we have...

I normally play piano conciertos in the background, or turn on movie scores. For some reason, true orchestral music from the 1500-1900s just doesn't interest me as much, whereas I love movie scores. They just have a more modern take on music, incorporate many different elements as opposed to heavy melodies and (imo) often boring symphonies. I like a lot of movement in my orchestral pieces.

Not to say I dislike the classics (been to several live concerts), just not my favorite...

Originally Posted by AgentQ

If you're in a professional environment, you really shouldn't be playing music on loudspeakers at all.
False. It should only be an issue if you're on a client-facing side of the workplace (e.g. if you're a consultant, out on a sales call, etc). Lighten up a little, people. Jesus.

 

[Sherman90]

Originally Posted by deadly7

I normally play piano conciertos in the background, or turn on movie scores. For some reason, true orchestral music from the 1500-1900s just doesn't interest me as much, whereas I love movie scores. They just have a more modern take on music, incorporate many different elements as opposed to heavy melodies and (imo) often boring symphonies. I like a lot of movement in my orchestral pieces.

Not to say I dislike the classics (been to several live concerts), just not my favorite...
Try Beethoven's symphonies or piano concertos. But you'll have to give them two or three dedicated listens before they "open up". As for listening to music generally, I find many of the "professionals" in my office do so.

 

[Sherman90]

@ Deadly7, Mahler and Sibelius also come to mind. You might really like Sibelius, actually.

 

[BP348]

Between the bagpipe music on one side and the Tejano on the other a little classical might no be too bad.

I tend to tune out everyone elses music so it wouldn't bother me but classical in general just puts me to sleep.