Hey, where's all our great CMG members of late?

[Lance]

I know the weather is getting nice and people want to take advantage of it. But we're trying hard to keep things going here. Discussion of great music should not be put on the back burner, nor should the music! I would like to see more participation, new members, and lots of classical music topics. Ask your classical music-loving friends to join our site! Anyone have ideas to get music loving folks to come on board. We're all ears! There's no fees, just a nice friendly place to be that is even equipped with a full-fledged "Pub!"

[PJME]

Lance, although I follow this Forum only for less than a year, it is quite obvious to me that sustaining a worldwide,interesting discussion on classical music will always be very difficult.
Allow me to quote a few all too obvious "problems...": work, children, time difference, education, strictly personal preferences, the influence of political preferences (hence The Pub...,I suppose).
(I hardly understand the need for questions like "Who is the best?Who do you prefer? the longest?The shortest?The fastest? ....we're not dealing with sports!)
I see myself as a total stranger, I don't know "you" at all ( even I can get some information from the discussions in The Pub...It is good that politics stay there!)
Who is young, who is old? Who gets quickly irritated? Who is willing to read and eventually learn? It is the blessing and the curse of Internet. It "feels"friendly, stimulates and irritates at the same time.....
It would be great if more nationalities would come to the Forum.
Anyway, these are a few fast thoughts i jotted down. they may not be very clear.
I'll hope to read reactions...after supper!
Sincerely, Peter

[Ralph]

Peter,

Good and welcome thoughts. You are right that sustaining serious discussion about music is hard, one reason being very different levels of knowledge (I have no music training or education myself).

In the days of Classicalinsites (long ago, a predecessor, corporate sponsored board) we had people from all over the world contributing. But even then folks disappeared after a while.

[Werner]

If I may add a couple of thoughts, Peter: Of course your points about time differences, levels of education and areas of interest make sense, and in a wide open forum such as this one cam expect a wide range. Over time, I've come to "know" members here - some I've some to know better than others, in accordance with their contributions here.

Of course, we're all entitled to pay close attention to, or ignore, whatever we choose, and in that way things sort themselves out over time.

I hope you'll stick around, and find a few people - if not everyone here - that will prove interesting to you. You'll certainly find a wide range of subjects discussed.

[Lance]

Lance, although I follow this Forum only for less than a year, it is quite obvious to me that sustaining a worldwide,interesting discussion on classical music will always be very difficult.
Allow me to quote a few all too obvious "problems...": work, children, time difference, education, strictly personal preferences, the influence of political preferences (hence The Pub...,I suppose).
(I hardly understand the need for questions like "Who is the best?Who do you prefer? the longest?The shortest?The fastest? ....we're not dealing with sports!)
I see myself as a total stranger, I don't know "you" at all ( even I can get some information from the discussions in The Pub...It is good that politics stay there!)
Who is young, who is old? Who gets quickly irritated? Who is willing to read and eventually learn? It is the blessing and the curse of Internet. It "feels"friendly, stimulates and irritates at the same time.....
It would be great if more nationalities would come to the Forum.
Anyway, these are a few fast thoughts i jotted down. they may not be very clear.
I'll hope to read reactions...after supper!
Sincerely, Peter

Dear Peter: A lot of what you say makes good sense. I certainly don't perceive you as a "total stranger" at all. In fact you are an integral part of the goings-on at CMG. You contribute many good things and, strange as it may seem to you, I feel I "know" you at least somewhat. I really enjoy people and this is a great place to get to know others. I've met quite a number of them already, have talked on the telephone to members, have had dinner with some of them, and it continues to grow. It is one of the wonderful things about the Internet, and especially with regard to our passion for music. I am expecting to meet our Dittersdorf expert one of these days (Ralph), and expect to see Werner and Don Isler again sometime soon when I get to New York City. I see our Canadian friend (SueCan) probably every 5-6 weeks or so. We actually develop meaningful friendships because of this web site.

Since most of us are into compact discs, this is what we tend to talk about more than anything else. It's kind of interesting to hear others "takes" on recordings, or to get pumped up about acquiring something we read about hereon. We also can talk about concerts we've attended. I know that on this kind of board, people come and people go. It's been said that the interest in classical music is about 3-4%. If that many people came to CMG out of the world's population (which isn't likely to happen), we would be inundated. Still, those who have some interest will appear if they know about us. We don't tend to keep those who become obnoxious or "know-it-all" on these boards simply because nobody knows it all. I learn every day from what people post on these boards.

At one time we had "live" chat sessions, but they are impossible to monitor and to get much out of with everyone inputting all at once. I grew to not like live chat sessions.

We generally experience a decline in posting as the summer months approach, but by September, people are ready to settle in and spend some time at their computers disuccing latest acquistions or concerts they've seen. Technical input hasn't been something people want to get in here either.

But we're glad to have you here, and the many others who are regular contributors in making the site work. Thank you for being a part of it.

[Corlyss_D]

People wander in and out. It's starting to look like summer. I don't expect people to be here as much in the summer as they are in the winter.

[Ralph]

People wander in and out. It's starting to look like summer. I don't expect people to be here as much in the summer as they are in the winter.

*****

People go offline in the summer? I doubt it.

[Agnes Selby]

Dear All, I wish I could contribute more but my special interest is Mozart so it is a little limiting. I love reading all the posts and have learned a lot.

Regards,
Agnes.

[miranda]

I'm too ignorant of both classical music and of politics to contribute much to either the Corner Pub or the Chatterbox. I don't even have a college degree. But I enjoy reading the articulate and often witty posts of CMG members; I learn a great deal by lurking here every now and again.

[Ralph]

I'm too ignorant of both classical music and of politics to contribute much to either the Corner Pub or the Chatterbox. I don't even have a college degree. But I enjoy reading the articulate and often witty posts of CMG members; I learn a great deal by lurking here every now and again.

*****

Miranda,

Never, never think that possessing a college degree is of any importance in sharing views about politics or music. Some of the best informed and most knowledgeable friends I have or have had in the past never entered a school of higher education.

[Corlyss_D]

I'm too ignorant of both classical music and of politics to contribute much to either the Corner Pub or the Chatterbox. I don't even have a college degree. But I enjoy reading the articulate and often witty posts of CMG members; I learn a great deal by lurking here every now and again.

Miranda! I'm dismayed! There's no relationship twixt a college degree and enjoyment of music or fighting about politics (although an informed opinion about both will stand you in good stead).

[miranda]

Corlyss and Ralph, I suppose you're both correct; one does not need a college degree to be informed. But I am not very informed, either about classical music or politics. That's why it's fun to come here, because there are so many really informed people posting. I like to learn....I just learned what the word etiolated means today, and it definitely applies to me!

[Ralph]

Corlyss and Ralph, I suppose you're both correct; one does not need a college degree to be informed. But I am not very informed, either about classical music or politics. That's why it's fun to come here, because there are so many really informed people posting. I like to learn....I just learned what the word etiolated means today, and it definitely applies to me!

*****

Do you think "deracinated" applies to Corlyss?

[taisiawshan]

As a newbie, I mean to classical music, I can't post very much, not able to.

Then, I think CMG is a serious forum site, unlike others.
We need to think, analyze, listen carefully before we can post.

Those much playful & fun forums, their members just post wantonly, so they can contribute very oftenly of course.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying which is good & which is bad.
I like both.

[Corlyss_D]

We need to think, analyze, listen carefully before we can post.

That would eliminate 95% of our members, Shan.

[Gary]

Lance,

I'm not sure whether you were apprised of MaestroDJS's departure from the CMG. Here are his parting words.

http://www.classicalmusicguide.com/phpB ... hp?t=11130

[lmpower]

There isn't that much corelation between a degree and being educated. Some people with even advanced degrees can be quite ignorant, while some others without a degree have educated themselves. Yes, it is hard to keep a good discussion going, but there are always nuggets of wisdom and insight to be found on this board. I have had my understanding increased by reading the thoughts of so many well informed people.

[jserraglio]

. . . I think CMG is a serious forum site, unlike others. We need to think, analyze, listen carefully before we can post.

That would eliminate 95% of our members, Shan.

In The Decay of Lying, Oscar Wilde makes a statement about the unexamined life that might encourage us to post first and think later:

Thinking is the most unhealthy thing in the world, and people die of it just as they die of any other disease. Fortunately, in England at any rate, thought is not catching. Our splendid physique as a people is entirely due to our national stupidity. I only hope we shall be able to keep this great historic bulwark of our happiness for many years to come; but I am afraid that we are beginning to be over-educated; at least everybody who is incapable of learning has taken to teaching--that is really what our enthusiasm for education has come to.

[lmpower]

That's a great quote from Oscar Wilde. Another relevant saying would be Thomas Gray: "where ignorance is bliss, it's folly to be wise." Socrates dictum that the unexamined life is not worth living has struck me as the opposite of true. Animals and children instinctively feel that life is worth living. Once you start examining life it becomes sicklied oe'r with the pale caste of thought. Hopefully we survive knowledge and persevere to real wisdom.

[Auntie Lynn]

Decamped to the Piano Forums at Piano World. This is a great place if all you do is listen to CD's but if you are out there hitting the boards and working in the music biz, one needs a little more specific input.

[Richard Mullany]

I tend to remember the old saw that goes," Better to remain silent and appear stupid than to say one word and remove all doubt".
I really feel that I don't have that much to say anymore about politics or music. My wife rejoices over the former decision.
There may be those who felt they had been left out to dry when they start a thread and watch it die for lack of response. They'll think twice before posting again.
I'm old, set in my ways and after listening to a late Beethoven quartet it's hard to find something sensible to say. Perhaps it would be better to come here before I listen to LvB although that would be no assurance I might have something sensible to say here even then.
I recall the old CMG was helter skelter and I was actually anxious about posting; there were flamers about. But there were also some great discussions. Then ,as now, some posters had a natural gift for expressing themselves; they never flaunted their knowledge, merely displayed it.
I'll try to contribute when possible and when I can.
I really do appreciate the purpose of this site.

[Lance]

Lance,

I'm not sure whether you were apprised of MaestroDJS's departure from the CMG. Here are his parting words.

http://www.classicalmusicguide.com/phpB ... hp?t=11130

Yes, I've had some private communication with Dave. I miss him and his outstanding contributions to CMG. Perhaps things will change and he will find he misses us very much. I look for him to come back when he feels so moved. Life is in constant change and we adapt accordingly.

[Corlyss_D]

I recall the old CMG was helter skelter and I was actually anxious about posting; there were flamers about. But there were also some great discussions. Then ,as now, some posters had a natural gift for expressing themselves; they never flaunted their knowledge, merely displayed it.

I'll try to contribute when possible and when I can.
I really do appreciate the purpose of this site.

We - Lance and I - have worked at cleaning out the riff-raff who pounce on innocent enthusiasts and spoil the entire experience for so many. With one particular individual, no amount of erudition compensated for his offensive behavior. We like to think this is a place people of all levels of experience can discuss their reactions without fear of being reduced to therapy.

[Ralph]

By the way, I really miss Kevin. Did he leave for some known reason?

[Corlyss_D]

By the way, I really miss Kevin. Did he leave for some known reason?

He's a teacher and he usually gets scarce around this time of year. I'd email him but every email address he's given me bombs for some reason.

[taisiawshan]

That's a great quote from Oscar Wilde. Another relevant saying would be Thomas Gray: "where ignorance is bliss, it's folly to be wise." Socrates dictum that the unexamined life is not worth living has struck me as the opposite of true.

I'm not sure maybe if you all qoute wrongly( just part of the passage), or you misunderstand the objective of the passage.
I disagree. Do you mean that Oscar Wilde & Thomas Gray( I don't know who is he) don't need human intelligence to create, or they are not using human intelligence when they said "human intelligence is not important" ?

Animals and children instinctively feel that life is worth living.

So, what is the thing that differentiate human with children? The instinct? Or the intelligence? Or do you mean children should not be different from animals?

I hope I don't sound too harsh.
This should not be a place to discuss phylosophy. So, I'll stop here.

[Corlyss_D]

There isn't that much corelation between a degree and being educated.

My father worked in intelligence, a profession apparently greatly enamoured of Ph.Ds. He used to say that most of them couldn't find their ass with both hands. They were completely devoid of pragmatism and practical experience.

[Corlyss_D]

Shan, the comments are ironic and satirical.

[taisiawshan]

That would eliminate 95% of our members, Shan.

At least, you guys are serious about classical music.
"Serious" doesn't mean you can't joke or talk in an unserious way.
I like that about this forum. I know I can learn from this forum. I get what I want here. And I'll like to make friends with you guys, all sort of different personality guys.

Then, when you get serious, you need to think. Either before or after.
Or should I say to "disgest" & understand after listening to classical music.
That's why no one can post all the time.
Unless, you contribute informative post, then discuss.
However, classical music doesn't has that much present information like politics. Classical music is "classical", that means "old". All the information of classical music can be get from books, dictionaries, etc.

[taisiawshan]

Shan, the comments are ironic and satirical.

Hey, I'm sorry.
Forgive me, I'm not good at English.
I'm so embarrassed.
You know, I always can't understand the jokes,
especailly dear Karl~'s.

[taisiawshan]

Shan, the comments are ironic and satirical.

Corlyss,

Thanks for not letting me become an unknown( myself) stupid guy.

Shan.

[Teresa B]

I am lazy! I shall endeavor to post something when it strikes me as post-worthy.

All the best,
Teresa

[Corlyss_D]

I am lazy! I shall endeavor to post something when it strikes me as post-worthy.

All the best,
Teresa

You get a pass when you're practicing the Mozart.

[Cyril Ignatius]

I'm in the process of turning in final grades here at the college and at a second college in Cincinnati where I teach an evening course. Sometimes the mundane things in life - in this case, teaching six classes per semester - way too much (!!!) - cuts back radically the time to be here at the CMG.

However, this will pass over the next day or so, at least for a spell - and I have several things I will post.

[Mark Antony Owen]

I'm online A LOT (and I mean A LOT!), so I have NO excuse for not posting more - my total lack of musical knowledge aside, that is. In our house, my wife and I hardly ever watch TV; the Internet dominates. And for my work as a writer, a PC is obligatory - only when eating and peeing (or travelling to and from the office) am I not sat at a screen. So yes, I should post more, even if only about my emotional responses to music.

I do post a lot over at GMG, but that's because it seems to be a very busy forum. Which is to take nothing away from this one; some of us are members of both, and I would hate to have to choose between them. Maybe it's a purely visual thing: GMG is very blue, which is very easy on the eye. And there are fewer topics visible per screen, which makes life somehow easier, too.

But putting this aside, I shall try to do better.

[Ralph]

I'm online A LOT (and I mean A LOT!), so I have NO excuse for not posting more - my total lack of musical knowledge aside, that is. In our house, my wife and I hardly ever watch TV; the Internet dominates. And for my work as a writer, a PC is obligatory - only when eating and peeing (or travelling to and from the office) am I not sat at a screen. So yes, I should post more, even if only about my emotional responses to music.

I do post a lot over at GMG, but that's because it seems to be a very busy forum. Which is to take nothing away from this one; some of us are members of both, and I would hate to have to choose between them. Maybe it's a purely visual thing: GMG is very blue, which is very easy on the eye. And there are fewer topics visible per screen, which makes life somehow easier, too.

But putting this aside, I shall try to do better.

*****

Good!

[Lance]

I'm online A LOT (and I mean A LOT!), so I have NO excuse for not posting more - my total lack of musical knowledge aside, that is. In our house, my wife and I hardly ever watch TV; the Internet dominates. And for my work as a writer, a PC is obligatory - only when eating and peeing (or travelling to and from the office) am I not sat at a screen. So yes, I should post more, even if only about my emotional responses to music.

I do post a lot over at GMG, but that's because it seems to be a very busy forum. Which is to take nothing away from this one; some of us are members of both, and I would hate to have to choose between them. Maybe it's a purely visual thing: GMG is very blue, which is very easy on the eye. And there are fewer topics visible per screen, which makes life somehow easier, too.

But putting this aside, I shall try to do better.

Great! I look forward to seeing you here more often, too!

[Corlyss_D]

But putting this aside, I shall try to do better.

Yer doin' pretty good for a new member, Mark.

[Lark Ascending]

I've been a forum member for just over six months and have posted infrequently, although I have posted more of late. I feel as though I cannot comment on many of the threads as my knowledge of music is limited to purely listening - I get the impression that a lot of the musicians on this site like to analyse each piece in a way that as a non musician is beyond me. So my comments on a piece would be along the lines of "I liked it," which sounds trite. However I will continue to contribute when I feel confident of doing so.

[Mark Antony Owen]

I've been a forum member for just over six months and have posted infrequently, although I have posted more of late. I feel as though I cannot comment on many of the threads as my knowledge of music is limited to purely listening - I get the impression that a lot of the musicians on this site like to analyse each piece in a way that as a non musician is beyond me. So my comments on a piece would be along the lines of "I liked it," which sounds trite. However I will continue to contribute when I feel confident of doing so.

So we're in the same boat, then? Great to have company!

And thank you all for the words of encouragement.

[IcedNote]

I'm intrigued by several of your comments about "intelligence" vs. "education" when it comes to music. And I don't mean that disagreeably!

I am working on my second Masters of Music degree and will eventually work towards a PhD in music theory. But even so, I find that my wealth of knowledge is far inferior to several of you; not because of brainpower, but only because of experience. In many areas of life, experience vastly outweighs education in terms of intelligence. As a guy of only 25 years, I simply have not had enough time to listen to as many works as many of you have, so I cannot draw upon such expansive resources with my comments. On the other hand, what I do know, I know very well. Does that make sense?

It seems that this board is geared towards those who have just listened more. And that's fantastic, becuase it gives me a place to come and learn!

And to respond to someone else's comment about "not being a musician" and feeling lost on these boards (sorry, I can't remember who it was): I feel quite the opposite. My education is rooted in the nuts and bolts of music, yet I have not seen a topic yet that has been in need of my expertise. Because of this, I would argue that CMG is more angled towards the "I like it!" crowd. From what I've read, most of the knowledge of CMG's members seems to fall under the "musicology" heading, and you don't need to attend a university to immerse yourself in that particular subject, you know?

OK, I'm going to stop there because I'm feeling quite longwinded.

-G

[Jack Kelso]

I'm taking a much-needed vacation from work (and my computer!) from this coming weekend up through 6 June.

I'll do my best to catch up when I get back.....so don't post tooooo much in the meantime!

Best regards and "Tschüß",
Jack

[Ralph]

I'm taking a much-needed vacation from work (and my computer!) from this coming weekend up through 6 June.

I'll do my best to catch up when I get back.....so don't post tooooo much in the meantime!

Best regards and "Tschüß",
Jack

*****

Have a great vacation!

[Jack Kelso]

I'm taking a much-needed vacation from work (and my computer!) from this coming weekend up through 6 June.

I'll do my best to catch up when I get back.....so don't post tooooo much in the meantime!

Best regards and "Tschüß",
Jack

*****

Have a great vacation!

Thanks, Ralph. Music, however, shall NOT be neglected!

Jack

[Gary]

Have fun, Jack!

And keep thinking about Schumann.

[Jack Kelso]

Have fun, Jack!

And keep thinking about Schumann.

Thank you, Gary. And I wish you continued great listening!

Best regards,
Jack

[Corlyss_D]

I'm taking a much-needed vacation from work (and my computer!) from this coming weekend up through 6 June.

You can't leave without telling us where you are going so we can all drool.

[Jack Kelso]

I'm taking a much-needed vacation from work (and my computer!) from this coming weekend up through 6 June.

You can't leave without telling us where you are going so we can all drool.

Actually, Heidi and I will be staying in the local area----a walk through the Schwetzingen castle gardens (the largest in Germany), enjoying a couple of home "marathon concerts" with exotic snacks and wine, bicycle tours through the Heidelberg-Mannheim area and (for me!) one day-long chess tournament.

Relaxing stuff---nothing earth-shattering this time around.....

Best regards,
Jack

[Fugu]

I was up in Montreal this past week. They have a fairly decent HMV with a separate classical section on St. Catherine Blvd.

Anyway, I really liked Montreal. Enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, and especially St. Paul Blvd (part of Old Montreal). Anyone else been to Montreal?

[Lance]

I was up in Montreal this past week. They have a fairly decent HMV with a separate classical section on St. Catherine Blvd.

Anyway, I really liked Montreal. Enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, and especially St. Paul Blvd (part of Old Montreal). Anyone else been to Montreal?

Yes! I've been there, in fact spent part of my honeymoon there and stayed at the old, I think, Hotel Frontenac. Loved Montreal. I discovered the best barbecue ribs in the world at The Barbey Barn on Guy Street. Naturally, visited record shops, visited St. Joseph's Oratory where people go up the stairs on their knees. It's a beautiful city and more like going to Europe without going to Europe. I'm up for another trip there sometime.