Great Classical Music that Doesn't Sound Like Church?

[God of Mr. Hanky]

I feel like something beautiful was taken from me, and I'd like to get it back somehow - I was forced to spend beautiful Spring days in a country podunk church with smelly old people, as they coughed, croaked, and farted out the most dreary-sounding old hymns scored to classical melodies, and the only instrumental accompaniment was a cheap organ played horribly by an old sack which often fell asleep at the bench. On account of this, I have found it very difficult to really enjoy most classical music, although I recognize much of it as very beautiful and potentially inspiring. I feel the need for classical music which is inspiring (although not vapidly bright) while I fight depression, but it needs to be something other than the big four for Jeebus (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Handel). Maybe something similar to Vivaldi's style, any instruments. Can you think of any?

[Minimalist]

Let's see how jaded you are about the organ, first.

Try this:







If Bach's little fugue can't revitalize your interest in the hands of a capable organist then we can move on to something else.

[abaris]

Don't be so quick to judge Mozart. This one, he certainly didn't compose for any church or to praise Jesus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbrXZvu8bUo

It's called "Kiss my Ass".

[God of Mr. Hanky]

Let's see how jaded you are about the organ, first.

Try this:







If Bach's little fugue can't revitalize your interest in the hands of a capable organist then we can move on to something else.

Like you said, it'a a bit jaded, but not quite as dull as most of the shit which was written for the tired old 16th Century hymns still heard in churches today.

[Minimalist]

Okay then.  So progressing slowly here is Vivaldi's Op. 3 #8






And then this is Bach's transcription of it for organ.







The organ is an amazing instrument....but churchy shit can ruin it.

[Alex K]

I am a Bach fanatic, so I'll implore you to check out his secular works rather than settle for Vivaldi(what a terrible thought). For example:

https://youtu.be/upyIvoWdNFQ

[Nay_Sayer]

Always good to start with






My personal all time favorite.

[God of Mr. Hanky]

Okay then.  So progressing slowly here is Vivaldi's Op. 3 #8






And then this is Bach's transcription of it for organ.







The organ is an amazing instrument....but churchy shit can ruin it.

Thanks, that is a nice piece by Bach, and I'm already a Vivaldi fan.

The organ, especially the large pipe organs sound quite nice when played well. Even a cheap one can sound ok with good music to play and a decent organist. You would probably laugh till you drop if you saw and heard what my church did to organ music!

So, there's Vivaldi and Bach. Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mussorgsky, and even Wagner are interesting too, if also a bit dark and often weird. Any other artists or pieces you can think of? Something uplifting, like Vivaldis Four Seasons?

[Nay_Sayer]

Bach's Catana's often fall under the radar.





If you enjoy Brahm, This will also do you well to give a listen to.

[drfuzzy]

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1 in B flat?