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Music

Forget 'The College Dropout', This O Week Crank Some Really Old Music

"It's ok, but not as good as their 1626 stuff."

Image: Matt Galligan

Popular music is so basic. This O Week, if you really want to impress your new classmates and come across as the sophisticated, mysterious person that you wish you were, you’ll need to up your game, music reference-wise. You need to go way back. Back to Bach.

We asked Makoto Harris Takao, an expert in Early Music who’s nearly finished his PhD at the University of Western Australia, to school us in the musical movements of the Medieval (500–1400), Renaissance (1400–1600) and Baroque (1600–1760) eras.

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Smart people like Harris Takao have been using Early Music to enhance all kinds of moments in their lives for ages. He points out the time that Martin, our favourite nerd from The Simpsons, played a “beguiling lute solo” for butterflies to “ease [their] metamorphoses”.

Harris Takao has shared a selection of Early Music and how he incorporates into his daily life, so that maybe you too can ease your metamorphosis into someone whose musical knowledge extends beyond the realm of their existence.

For driving to class – or getting in the mood

Troisième Leçon de ténèbres by Francois Couperin (1668–1733)

You could put on Rihanna or Drake (or Rihanna and Drake), but why not switch it up a little with some “intertwining soprano voices”? Harris Takao calls Couperin’s stirring 17th century song “the perfect morning ‘swoon’”, but says it also goes well with a morning cup of joe. “With my morning coffee in hand I love nothing more than letting the lush textures wash over me as I drive into the office.”

For when you’re trying to study while faded

Trio Sonata for Recorder, Treble Viol and Continuo in D Minor by Georg Philipp Telemann (1681–1767)

It’s scientifically proven that listening to classical music makes you smarter, so you should really start cramming to some baroque trio sonatas, Harris Takao says. “Over the past few years of both undergraduate and postgraduate study, I’ve found baroque trio sonatas to be the most successful in helping me to maintain focus and productivity.” This one starts off quite slow but builds in energy – hopefully you will, too.

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For when you’re getting ready to hit the clubs

Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor by Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)

“One of my absolute favourite pastimes is tearing up the freeway with baroque swag,” Harris Takao says. “It’s almost impossible not to headbang (or tap your foot at the very least) along to the explosive opening movement of Vivaldi’s concerto for four violins.” We’d be lying if we said disagreed. That Vivaldi can shred! “His harmonic contrasts, innovative themes and flamboyant bravado are infectious. It’s the perfect way to gear up for the night ahead.”

For when you’re feeling fancy

"Can She Excuse My Wrongs?" by John Dowland (1563–1626)

Sometimes you want to put the ramen away, bust out the cheese board your boss gave you for Christmas and really live, you know? Take wine time to a new level by pairing it with this 16th century number. Harris Takao says, “The lute songs of the English renaissance are often charming in character and have a wonderful sense of intimacy that is perfect for accompanying a good glass of red with friends.”

For doing late-night laundry to

Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat Major (BWV 1051) by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Harris Takao plays a renaissance version of the cello, called a viola da gamba, so he knows a good Bach concerto when he hears one. “The second movement of Brandenburg number six is the perfect way to finish up the dishes after a lovely evening, and helps bring the night to a close.”

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For when you can’t sleep

‘Ave generosa’ by Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179)

Like any student, Harris Takao often finds his mind still buzzing when his head hits the pillow. But his solution doesn’t involve pills. “The Gregorian chant of Hildegard von Bingen from the 12th century never fails to quiet thoughts of deadlines,” he says. And if you need something stronger, Harris Takao says Hildegard von Bingen’s music can also be found in ‘90s trance music written for relaxation.

Sarah Gooding is headbanging to Vivaldi right now @sarahgooding