I've been reading Alex Ross's "The Rest is Noise" about the music of the twentieth century. So far my favorite part has been the history of the riot that happened when Igor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring was performed for the first time.
Now, granted, we would be horrified by people's behaviors at performances of classical concerts back then. The people would boo and cheer, just like we do at a popular music concert now. And sometimes, I almost wish we could go back there. It sounds like fun to scream at the top of your lungs for something like Beethoven's "Ode to Joy".
Write a story while listening to The Rite of Spring.
This piece, consisting of four movements, lasts a half hour so you have lots of material to work with. You don't necessarily need to actively listen to the music, but studies have shown that music affects us without our being aware of it. This is why there are things like elevator music - it helps us feel better and keeps us calm.
The Rite of Spring won't be keeping you calm, though. Here's a recording from Youtube below. Just click play and start writing. And if you wanted to know, that's a bassoon in the opening bars.
Comments