What Makes Great Music? The Elements of Masterpieces

[luisdavidllense]

I always enjoy your video lectures. Wish I'd get a chance to catch a few live. If so, and if ever down in Florida, I'd make sure to sign up. Thanks!

[kerrykirk]

Outstanding commentary, Robert! Unique compositions are very difficult and it takes extreme talent to continue the compose "new" works. It also takes extreme talent to continually perform a wide variety of music so well (i.e. Rubenstein, Horowitz) for a lifetime.

[DandGBears]

My High School music teacher loved classical music and “hated to admit” that you could not have an honest conversation about 20th century music without talking about The Beatles. Hahah. Told us Brahms was the last of the absolute masters of music. Great composer, Conductor, performer. Also that music really started to slowly get bad after the death of Brahms. About 60 years after his death the most famous musicians in the whole world was John, Paul, George and Ringo. BUT 60 years before Brahms died the world still had Beethoven. Lol. She was like THINK About THAT!

[sammcbride]

If the music takes you to a unique place and leaves you feeling that you are better for having gone there then that's great music. Like that old song that goes: "Fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars." Great music makes you feel like you're playing among the stars. And with all the problems here on Earth the stars are a pretty good place to go.

[JayMSinger]

For me, if the music cues an emotional response I value that the most. Many times the great music makes me feel awe and it puts me " in the zone".

[musicwithdale]

I think you hit the nail on the head, Robert. Thanks for giving props to the Beatles. I was raised in a family of classical music snobs, and as a result I pretty much missed out on all the great Beatles music pre-Sergeant Pepper. I had to go back and listen to all the masterpieces on, e.g., Rubber Soul and Revolver.

[justaman]

I was expecting the intro of the topic and then the, 'wow what a loaded question!' But you fooled me and started with the loaded question first😂😂

[computrman]

With the great masters, you didn't have record companies telling them to stick with this formula or that formula because the last time it sold the most records.

[phina_colada]

When composing, I always try to hit the keys that make me feel the most emotion.

[vic]

I've been learning some pieces by Bartok, and I think he could have used a psychiatrist!