When you return home all stressed out after a long day, you probably would turn your stereo on and listen to some pop music or Afrobeats to unwind. Now, I do not have any problem with those genres of music but have you considered relaxing with classical music? While it is not a popular genre in Africa, classical music has been proven to have the most calming effect on the human mind, body and soul. Tested and trusted.
Classical music is a genre of music that originated in the western tradition, and is typically associated with composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Bach. In Nigeria, we have composers like Ayodele Falase, Fela Sowande, Lazarus Ekwueme, Godwin Sadoh and so on. Even the University of Ibadan has classical music composers like Dr Tolu Owoaje and our very own Dr Dayo Oyedun. Classical music, regardless of who composed it, is typically characterized by its use of complex musical structures, rich harmonies and an emphasis on instrumental composition.
Classical music is the purest and most gorgeous form of music known to man. Its breathtaking peaks and languid lows are expertly crafted to draw out specific responses from the human mind and body. Everybody deserves to experience the beauty that is classical music. If you have yet to, this is your sign to try it out yourself and discover its magical touch in soothing you when your cortisol levels are high. You can listen to pieces on your phone but I would also recommend attending a classical music concert. There is nothing like listening to it live and direct.
Common forms found in classical music include sonatas, symphonies, concertos and fugues. Just in case you have accepted the gospel of classical music but are not sure what compositions to listen to, I have some suggestions for you. Here are some tested and trusted pieces that will undoubtedly wash away the stress of a tiring day:
1. “Canon in D Major” – Johann Pachelbel
2. “Clair de Lune” – Claude Debussy
3. “Moonlight Sonata, Op. 27, No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto” – Ludwig van Beethoven
4. “The Four Seasons: Spring” – Antonio Vivaldi
5. “Ave Maria” – Franz Schubert
6. “Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, No 2” – Frederic Chopin
Popular Classical Choirs in the University of Ibadan and University College Hospital whose concerts you can look out for include:
- The Ibadan Philharmonic Society
- St Cecelia Students’ Choir, UI
- University of Ibadan Music Department Choir
- Ibadan City Chorale
- Sinfonia Choir and Orchestra, UCH
- St Luke’s Choir, UCH
I should mention here that due to the complex structure of classical compositions and a wide variety of color and dynamism inherent in it, it may sound odd to an amateur ear at first. However, try not to be deterred by this because it is part of the process. Classical music is just one of those things that takes some getting used to. When you eventually fall in love with classical music, you’ll fall hard and there will be no going back. Its soothing power will make relaxation an easy and quick process for you. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
