Disconcerted No More

Okay, I’m giving you fair warning: I am about to gush over classical music. I realize this makes me sound incredibly pretentious but I can’t help it.

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.5 is by far my favorite classical piece of all time. Like any orchestral piece it has a big, full sound. When you listen to it, you can feel it expanding, growing louder, more powerful and more intense. It is, as John Lithgow once said (in Flashdance of all places), uplifting. But to me, the most stunning part of this piece is not its strength and volume but rather its quiet moments.

You know how sometimes you can hear a singer take a deep breath before a big line? I swear, when this piece swells at the chorus (I’m sure this isn’t the proper technical term so music experts, bear with me), it withdraws so naturally that you would think the song is literally inhaling. The sound of something so imposing coming to that kind of graceful halt is so arresting that you can’t help but take notice.  

Before you declare me certifiably insane (and pompous for that matter), try it for yourself. Crank up the volume and close your eyes. I swear, it will intoxicate you. Before you know it, the rest of the world will melt away and you’ll find yourself taking big deep breaths right along with it.