I’d like to talk about my uncle, Julian, who is an absolute classical music enthusiast. He’s my mother’s older brother and currently works as an architect in a neighbouring town, so whenever we have family get-togethers or Sunday lunches at his flat, there’s almost always some piece of orchestral music playing gently in the background.
I first realised how deeply invested he was in this genre when I stayed over at his place during school holidays a few years ago. While most people my age were glued to chart hits, Uncle Julian had this impressive collection of vinyl records and high-end audio equipment. He listens to a really diverse range of classical styles, from lively baroque pieces by composers like Vivaldi to dramatic, sweeping symphonies. He is particularly fond of solo piano concertos, which he often puts on while sketching blueprints or reading in the evenings.
As for why he’s so passionate about it, I think it boils down to two main things. Firstly, he considers it an incredible way to unwind after a high-pressure day at work. He often tells me that the intricate layers of harmony help him switch off from everyday stress and actually boost his creativity. On top of that, he genuinely appreciates the technical mastery involved; he marvels at how a whole ensemble of musicians can harmonise perfectly without any digital editing. Seeing his genuine fascination has actually given me a newfound appreciation for the genre, even if I don’t listen to it quite as regularly as he does.