Clair Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 In an attempt to combat my recurring insomnia, I have started to listen to classical music on my iPod in bed.I quite enjoy Chopin's Nocturnes, as I find the solo piano sound very relaxing.I am also looking to download Chopin's Préludes and Bach's Cello Suites.Do you have any recommendations from other composers to add to my night music soundtrack? The emphasis has to be on soft and soothing, rather than fast and furious [:P]I much prefer instrumental solos or duets to full orchestral (too distracting) and my preferred instruments are the piano, the violin, the cello, the oboe and the clarinet. I look forward to listening to your suggestions [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Not being a classical music buff I can't really help, but...http://telecharger-musique.fnac.com/fm4274494/Judy-Dunlop-My-arms-are-a-cradle?PID=81052for something completely different.[:)] Dors bien. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViVienne Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 not music but...I find that as soon as sport involving blokes chasing a ball around a field is on the telly I'm off asleep in no time at all!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 If you want to sleep some breathing techniques are very useful. Check out Hatha yoga breathing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted February 14, 2010 Author Share Posted February 14, 2010 Thanks for the replies [:)]I am not looking for a cure for insomnia and I am really looking forward to suggestions of soothing classical music. Songs keep me awake, as I focus on the lyrics.Same for a full orchestral performance, as I find myself focusing on the individual instruments [8-)]Please?[:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViVienne Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 I guess your option then is to choose something you are very familiar with then you won't have to focus on the lyrics because you already know them, if you do a compilation of all your favourite tracks the routine may well help you sleep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 It wouldn't work for me because I soon as I hear a piece of music I am alert...it awakens my senses.But here are a few suggestions of well-known music which might be appropriate.I'm sure I will think of many more..Mozart Clarinet concerto and quintethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPjtRSgg2fg&feature=relatedBach Lute suiteshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPjtRSgg2fg&feature=relatedSchumann:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq7ncjhSqtk&feature=relatedLiszthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdNNPcctrJY&feature=relatedand http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxAYrk_Yhf0&feature=relatedMoonlighthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6txOvK-mAk&feature=relatedsome purcellhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioPpqKU9wmI&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xC_vXtancw&feature=relateddebussyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMw_AY6w4dk&feature=PlayList&p=71327895927B9DD4&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=19You might be better off with something like:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJqhh5t-1gM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted February 14, 2010 Author Share Posted February 14, 2010 Thanks Norman, that's more like it [:)] I already have a few of the ones you mention (Mozart, Debussy, Beethoven).Not too keen on Purcell (sounds to "busy" for what I want, if you se what I mean), but very taken with Schumann and Liszt. I will look out for more of those.As for whale music and such like, thanks for the suggestion, but no thanks [:P]I quite understand how a piece of music awakens senses, which is why I prefer single instrument pieces. I fear being overwhelmed by too many sounds when all I want is to relax and let my mind drift...More please [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Janacek - On an overgrown pathPiano pieces - you can find extracts on Youtube but my computer and Internet connection are sooo slooow tonight that it would take ages for me to post the link (sorry)Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 There is no hope - you want to combat insomnia but go to bed to stay awake??Fugazi or Modest Mouse should help you in your strange habit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted February 14, 2010 Author Share Posted February 14, 2010 [quote user="Lou"]Janacek - On an overgrown pathPiano pieces - you can find extracts on Youtube [/quote]Thanks for that, Lou. That sounds just right. I will investigate further [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 the Janacek pieces are athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz0yuq14Fksand following links...More: Schubert Impromtus:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6_SbflSwAgand Sonatashttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evFt11h_gmA&feature=relatedand String Quintethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLtJmOHRJIQ&feature=relatedChopin Barcarolle:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU-5u2dmXdM&feature=relatedand Balladeshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsoUIBcl7iw&feature=relatedother Schumann:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYDSiFh1uiA&feature=relatedBach again (listen to the Fugue..the second part)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEgMf17ttTs&feature=relatedRavel...you are French!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF9R4oPyy5c&feature=relatedand Satie Gymnopedies, Gnossiennes and Nocturnes (there are several of each)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al5U1WJ48rMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJQGM3MfqmI&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AXqKqTpRyc&feature=relatedMozart (if not too many instruments)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE21T8msuy8and two Sonata movements:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQpsL_kh6pE&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOuv-e2X7vo&feature=relatedto go back to the piano:Scriabin in this mood (but sometimes he is violent!)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSWsHvSkSYk&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=D12951B688DB52DDhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWdlOVYPYgUMendelssohn 'Songs without words' there are lots ..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYEggRrIH50http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR3t6vJOMe0&feature=relatedrather more dissonant the Berg Sonatahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WZf9VbPKsM&feature=relatedwhich you may find wakes you up, though for me it is ultimately reposing.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted February 15, 2010 Author Share Posted February 15, 2010 What a selection, thank you Norman [:)]I look forward to listening to these suggestions later today.Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Norman, thank you. You have included a lot of my personal favourites.Clair, if it's a lullaby you want, surely Benjamin Goddard's Berceuse has got to be a contender?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk84NUWOvEEThis just so happens to be the version that I have in my collection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Thanks sweet that's one I didn't know.Nice to see you back and posting... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Norman, don't you just love that very last note she sings in the Berceuse? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Sounds like either a sharp high a or a flat Bb.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted February 16, 2010 Share Posted February 16, 2010 Spot on, Norman, you're dead right..............that is, if our piano is in tune! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mareille Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 Researchers in Israel have found that when they played a range of composers to premature babies Mozart had the most calming effect, reducing the energy they expended and so causing greatest weight gain.Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted February 17, 2010 Author Share Posted February 17, 2010 [quote user="Mareille"]Researchers in Israel have found that when they played a range of composers to premature babies Mozart had the most calming effect, reducing the energy they expended and so causing greatest weight gain.Chris[/quote]How would I get the first and avoid the last? [:P]PS: I'll add more Mozart to my playlist [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 Exactly my thought, Clair!Can you let us know if any pieces of music have a particularly good effect on sending you to sleep?I actually slept for about 7 hours last night, a record! Nothing to do with music or anything else I can think of, apart from exhaustion - but even that hasn't usually worked for more than a couple of hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted February 17, 2010 Author Share Posted February 17, 2010 [quote user="gardengirl "]Can you let us know if any pieces of music have a particularly good effect on sending you to sleep?[/quote]The music in itself does not send me to sleep but it makes it easier for me to slow down mentally and rest. Sleep comes in bouts of a couple of hours at a time as long as I don't become mentally stimulated [:)]My playlist currently includes the following (and others):Debussy (Clair de Lune, Arabesque, Rèverie)Elgar (Cello concerto, )Enio Morricone (Gabriel's Oboe)Chopin (all Nocturnes, sonata Op.58, Prélude E minor Op. 28)Puccini (from Madame Butterfly and Gianni Schicci)JS Bach (Cello Suites, cello sonata in G minor, concerto for 2 violins)Beethoven (Moonlight sonata, piano concerto n°5, piano concerto n°3 Largo)Mozart (clarinet concerto adagio, Lacrimosa, Trio from Cosi fan tutte)Pachelbel (canon in D)....I am also looking at the "relaxing classics compilation" sort-of-albums from iTunes... [8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 Some of my favourites are on your list; they don't help me to fall asleep either, but are very relaxing. I have a compilation set from Classic FM, but I've had to be careful, as some are more stimulating than relaxing, which defeats the object. [8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gluestick Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 Clair:Conspicuous by his absence is Antonio Vivaldi (The Red Priest).Here:Generally, Baroque Music is less "Busy".Harry Christophers and "The Sixteen" are perhaps the greatest current exponents. Here:I am very much moved by the voice of Elin Mannahan Thomas; Here: who sings like an angel!Heard her Eternal Source of Light Divine, CD on Classic FM (Vivaldi's Nullo in Mundo Pax Sincera in particular) and bought the CD immediately!Her site will play some samples. Not the "Shrieky" sort of sopranao, and her upper register notes are crystal clear and sooooo relaxing.Music to Snore With! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 Has anyone mentioned Mahler?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2UYct17bFw&feature=related Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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