Ligeti - is this the worst music ever?

[IwankaTramp]

After mentioning that I didn’t really like classical music unless it was live my DH took it upon himself to book us a special ‘treat’ for my birthday.

He did this knowing nothing about this composer.

I think I have had a glimpse into hell trapped in the Royal Festival Hall with this barrage of atonal ear assaulting nonsense.

Worst thing I haven’t ever sat through.

Any similar experiences to relate?

Chinese Opera. Like cats screaming.
The musical Cats..dire.

No, for that accolade there are plenty of other winners!

YANBU in that Ligeti isn't perhaps the most accessible composer to someone who isn't interested in "classical" music!

YABU in saying that it's bad music though: it's fascinating, even if not to your taste. His Requiem is extraordinary and I would love to hear it live.

Thanks for the steer Shamp

Have you experienced the torture that it Ligeti Olivia?

I have PTSD.

Absolutely fucking dire.

He's not massively up my street, though I prefer him to Mahler -- but my absolute classical nadir, also at the RFH, was a Karl 'I write jingles for car adverts' Jenkins concert.

Time and place ?

Seems to fit when heard as part of the soundtrack to 2001:A Space Odyssey ....

Chinese Opera. Like cats screaming.

Why go as far as China ? Normal opera isn't any better. (Is Gilbert and Sullivan an exception, or not "opera" as such ?)