GG: Bach & analytic/creative tasks

[tsolomon@whfreeman.com (Tim Solomon)]

Hello all, this is my first post, although I've been lurking for many months.

I find it interesting to hear that many of you (Catherine, Erich, Arin et al.) consider it beneficial to listen to Bach while performing analytical or creative tasks that require concentration.  Personally, Bach (especially when performed by Gould) is the _last_ composer I want to listen to when thinking / reading / writing etc.  I find Bach's music so compelling and, well, mesmerizing I guess, that all of my other functions shut down and until the CD ends I find myself gazing stupidly at the stereo with a vacant look in my eye - incapable of study or conversation.  (I do find myself singing a lot though, and badly.)  When I want to be inspired, but still capable of rational thought, I go for Mahler's Resurrection, which, if I'm not mistaken, Gould also loved..... Hmmm.....

Just my two cents.  I really enjoy this friendly list.