Quote Originally Posted by Suicune's Fire View Post
Yeah, I didn't mean exclusively electronic ones. There are a few people I know of who do awesome guitar covers and whatnot. B)
Yup! I know a lot of covers for stuff. I like to spotlight the more instrumental stuff- not the electronically created. I think instrumental stuff in general- especially on the more traditional end (wind/string ensembles) tend to go underappreciated.

I mean, how many people outside of the music performance world knows what a Bassoon is? French Horn? Oboe? It saddens me how more traditionally arranged pieces are often overlooked in this day and age in favor of the pop songs and rap. Nothing against pop or rap, just- you know... I'm a band nerd, this stuff means a lot to me. Wind/String ensemble music can be simply gorgeous and full of depth. Most movie soundtracks are full orchestral- and people seem to be under the illusion that movie soundtracks are different than your normal orchestra. People are missing out on a huge library of music that exists that is neither old/classical/whatever or movie music. Of course, I love the old stuff too. It comes with being a band nerd. All of the instrumental stuff. Especially those horn solos.

Anyway, today I think I'm going to pick something more on the Classical end. I'll be hitting a video game track next, so no worries!


Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Franz Liszt.

Now, if you listen all the way through this piece, you'll definitely recognize a few of the melodies from somewhere. Tom and Jerry? Bugs Bunny? Maybe some commercials? This piece appears a lot through older cartoons and was considered a masterpiece at its time.

Many say it exemplifies the sad, conflicted, but proud history of Hungary. The Hungarians have gone through a lot- and done their share of misdeeds- but still remain a proud people. As someone who has spent a decent amount of time in Hungary, I can say with certainty that they are sad, but proud people- which I think this piece captures pretty well. That said, it's got some very fun and silly moments- probably in celebration that they've survived as a country for so long!

You'll hear hints of Hungarian folksongs and more notably, gypsy music (which if you've never heard any, is quite fun and interesting to listen to!). Surprisingly, this piece was actually originally a piano piece- however, due to it's popularity, it was later arranged into a full orchestral score.

I think the parts most recognizable to people will be the beginning and just around 6:50.

Stars: The strings at the beginning. I'm biased towards a good dramatic part.

Favorite parts: For me, the beginning and the build up to 6:50. I know they're the most well known parts, but I can't get 6:50 out of my head whenever I hear it. It just repeats. Over. And. Over. Until something else gets in my head anyway. xD I just love how playful it gets. I may also be biased because I've been rehearsing this lately and the playful parts are quite challenging and I love a technical challenge.