u3a

Perth

Listening to Classical Music 1

Status:Active, open to new members
Group email: Listening to Classical Music 1 group
When: On Thursday mornings 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Every four weeks, week 2
Venue: Unit 7

At each meeting, we listen to a selection of pieces chosen by group members. We often enhance our enjoyment by finding out a bit about the lives of composers whose music we'll be listening to, or the historical context in which the pieces were composed, the musical instruments and how they're played, the development of classical music forms, or something about the performers.

Prior to each meeting we agree a topic and then each member chooses about 8 minutes of suitable music. During the meeting, the member who chose a piece introduces it, perhaps saying something about the composer, the instruments, the performers, or why they chose the piece. Membership is restricted to a maximum of 10 in order to fit everyone's choice of music plus introduction into 2 hours.

Topics for 2024-25 included:

  • Humour
  • Transport and travel
  • Music for celebrations
  • Inspired by folk songs/tales
  • War and peace

We also have 'mystery pieces' which don't have to relate to the topic. This works as follows:

  • one member chooses a mystery piece
  • it's played without introduction
  • everyone else tries to guess the name/composer of the piece
  • finally the member reveals the answer.

We don't usually read music
but we listen to instrumentalists
... and singers