Felix Mendelssohn & how them classical composers can help you

It’s been quiet around here. Simply because I haven’t had much to report. And then there is the lack of inspiration that I’m encountering at the moment. When people tell me their lives have pretty much returned to normal, I wonder in which part of the world they live in. Working from home is everything but normal, at least for me. With noone to talk to apart from colleagues on chat, going out for a drink has become a logistic task, how to get there, since one wants to avoid the Tube at all costs. I do cycle everywhere, but at the moment that’s either in scorching heat or thunderstorm. Both not ideal, I’d say, but that’s complaining on a high level and I do generally cycle in any weather. What I am trying to say is, life might be normal for you, but don’t forget to occasionally check in with the ones for who it isn’t, people who are struggling with their mental health, people who lost their jobs, but also people who might have still got their job and an income but still struggle with the situation.

What I found helps me to get out of a state of despair is music. And not just any music, but my piano music. I’ve ordered Mendelssohn’s Lieder Ohne Worte (Songs without Words) for piano. I’ve got to tell you that is uplifting. If you don’t play the piano, simply listen to it, it’s outstanding music and they are great to just sit and listen or even work with. Music in general helps me a lot to put my thoughts in order. But Mendelssohn really hit me with something (in a positive, metaphorical kind of way, he didn’t actually throw a stone at me). Some of these songs are easy, some very difficult to practice but I’m telling you they will change your mood. Even if you just listen to them. Classical music in general is some sort of sanctuary for me. It can give you something, that contemporary music like rock or pop (or other genres) can’t give you. When I was a teenager classical music was not seen as the stuff the cool kids listened to, but I honestly didn’t really care. Now when you talk about classical music people think you know your stuff, so that’s how things change but that’s not important. What’s important are the emotions it creates in you.

I find classical music can help me gain back creativity or inspiration. Even 15 minutes of practicing or listening to some classical piece can already help. Mozart is someone I would always recommend, his music is light and entertaining. If you’re looking for something deeper and stronger I’d go with Beethoven, he’s a genius. If you have noisy neighbours turn on one of Beethoven’s symphonies and the neighbours will stop, I promise. Who also lifts my mood, is Chopin. His music is so dreamy and romantic, it’s a pain to practice on the piano but once you’ve got it you will remember his Nocturnes for a lifetime.

So in case you haven’t tried it, or you think you don’t know anything about classical music, give it a try, it can change your perspective on everything.

Nevermind the meme but I guess they might be a bit disappointed indeed…