Tuesday 17 November 2009

Too. Much. Noise.

I've got a headache. I'm pretty sure it comes from having 2 small boys (occasionally 3) running, jumping, shouting, climbing and screaming all afternoon. Then there is the background noise of the radio, the odd bit of TV, me shouting (at the boys, the dog, whoever comes within my radar at the wrong time). Even the neighbours are getting in on the loud act and the warmish weather means open windows and taking a full hit of turbofolk. Basically, this house is full of noise. Lots of loud competing noise, wherever you go, ALL THE TIME. Even a quiet trip to the loo is accompanied by hammering on the door and screeches of 'Muuuummmmmeeeeeeee whatyadoooooing?' if I'm lucky whereas if I'm less fortunate I'll be blitzed with a simple 'arrghghghghhhhhhh Adam did it!'. I am seriously contemplating buying and wearing earplugs and I'm not exaggerating for effect. I need to do something to protect the frazzled synapses in my overwrought brain.

But it has occurred to me that the music that I crave to listen to has changed. Poppy music is out, too inane and loud. Anything heavier is too, well, heavy. The angsty stuff is just all too much and I haven't any patience for anything without a tune. What I am craving, in these times of much noise, is very, very simple music with one instrument maximum. So, if anyone else is finding themselves overwhelmed with noise, I highly recommend taking a moment to listen to this, a prelude of Bach's for the 'cello. I'm finding it to be most calming at the moment. With Christmas coming up, this is A Good Thing.


17 comments:

TEFL Ninja said...

Curses, I was going to turn off the 'puter and go and watch the telly..but now I find myself off to i-tunes where I will no doubt spend far more than the 99 cents intended and end up going to bed late .... again.

It's beautiful.

Tattieweasle said...

Classical music has an amazing effect on my two terrors - calm is restored and they become quieter. BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM on long car journeys are a miracle every mother should know!

Lorna Harris said...

I love silence so much these days. I haven't tried classical music, I'll have to give it a try. Even ironing can be joyful when it's performed in complete silence!

London City (mum) said...

I'm with TW on the music in the car front.

Friends swear by the Bose noise-cancelling headphones for absolute peace and quiet (slight issue with the price, mind you), although you put them on and then start to worry about what you might not be hearing.

Love the Back clip.

LCM x

London City (mum) said...

I meant Bach - wtf, cannot even spell any more!!!

Catharine Withenay said...

Beautiful music - thank you. Isn't it wonderful how music can change, or reinforce, your mood?

Jen Walshaw said...

If things get all too loud here then I pop on a classical CD, but sometimes that doesnt work, then it is GreenDay as loud as possible and a good old dance. I have popped up some easy christmas cards on the blog

Liz (LivingwithKids) said...

I get this headache too, and what works for me is a long walk with the puppy on the common x

Unknown said...

Have always loved this piece of music, and I'm not normally a classical type of fella. My cure for a headache normally involves locking them all in the garden, whilst I stay inside with a glass of wine. Foolproof.

Alice said...

ha ha ... did laugh out loud reading that going 'hhhmmmm' and 'oh yes' along with you.

My particular favourite is the banging on the loo door "what ya dooooooing?"

"oh, you know, sticking earplugs in me ears so I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" lol.

Great post x

Anonymous said...

Even though I can now have a shower or trip to the loo in peace I still crave silence sometimes - more than silence I just want the flat to myself!!! and right now husband is out, youngest is asleep and oldest is skyping with his friends - peace for me - yeahhh! And after reading your post I am going to hunt out my favourite piece of classical music that I haven't listened to for years- thankyou for nudging my memory!!

nappy valley girl said...

I find if they are misbehaving in the car, a bit of Coldplay turned up really loud calms them down...they've even been known to sing along.

Maria said...

Oh, I know!

Babies who brunch said...

am sitting here, having only just managed to get toddler to sleep at half past 9, alone in complete silence.... i agree with you though, classical music has special powers these days. now i know why my mum listens to it!! best is at work when i play it really loud to block out the noise of everyone else so that i can write.

Dorset Dispatches said...

Sarah - YouTube traps me for hours. I'm having a real fad for watching old videos.

TW - I go for classical in the car to calm them down too. With any luck they go to sleep which is an added bonus.

LH - silence is golden. Now I understand!

LCM - I do need to hear something. Silence when 2 small boys are around is NOT a good thing as it can only mean trouble.

CW - It is amazing isn't it?

MH - Oh, thanks! Will be over to have a look. And a good old bop is also a good (energy using up) activity.

Liz - oh yes, just wonderful. The problem with our dog is that she is such food thief that it can be a bit stressful, but if I can go out with her own her own in the morning before anyone has a picnic/sits on the bench to eat their lunch, then it is just lovely.

GJ - Liking your thinking.

Alice - one day I'll have a wee in peace. What gets me, is that they both insist that they need some peace and quiet for their ablutions...

Kathryn - having the house to yourself is such a luxury. Then when they leave home we will hate it.

NVG - Mine go for a bit of Coldplay too. I love the sound of toddlers trying to sing along, so sweet.

Gaelikka - exactly!

BwB - I know I'm going to become my mother in the end. I don't know why I'm still fighting it!

Mark Antony said...

Love it...I used to play this one on my guitar.

nixdminx said...

thanks heavens it's not just me, I've taken to listening to Mozart on my ipod at work...oh but I did put 50 Cent on the other day ;-)