Comparing and Contrasting Music Tastes: A Personal Journey
In our romantic relationships, a shared love of music can either strengthen the bond between two people, or surprisingly, highlight the differences in our musical palettes. For me, understanding my partner's music preferences has become a window into their personality and internal world. This article explores the differences and similarities in music tastes within a couple and how these preferences are influenced by personal history and experiences.
My Musical Background and My Spouse's Preferences
I have always appreciated a wide range of music, except for heavy metal, hard rock, rap, and disco. My spouse, on the other hand, has a profound admiration for classical music, particularly the works of Corelli and Bach. I can appreciate these classical compositions, but I am not the biggest fan. I have, however, enjoyed attending classical concerts with my spouse, which have enriched our relationship. Growing up in the 1970s, both my spouse and I have a nostalgic appreciation for individual artists like Neil Diamond, Cat Stevens, Eric Clapton, and Dan Fogleberg. However, I have a soft spot for bands like the Doobie Brothers and the Moody Blues.
Personal Experiences Shaping Musical Preferences
Music can tell a person’s story and how they are feeling at any given moment. When my ex-partner used to play songs, I would often listen to the lyrics to understand the message behind them. Some music might not have any meaning to me, but that is what makes it personal and unique to the listener. My ex-wife, a lyric spinto singer, had a similar preference for music, but she was more focused on the performance rather than the song composition. Her favorite composers were Schubert, Schumann, and Mozart, and she particularly enjoyed performances by artists like Joan Southerland and Beverly Sills. Confronting her musical tastes with my own, she found little interest in jazz or pop music. Conversely, I enjoy a broad range of music, including a lot of jazz and rock, especially the more energetic stuff from the 1960s.
Current Musical Partnership: A Harmonious Yet Diverse Blend
My current spouse is a musician herself, playing the alto saxophone and clarinet with great skill. Her musical tastes are predominantly focused on jazz, with a particular fondness for the major player/composers from the 1940s through the 1970s. This is not too different from mine, but she has a more targeted approach to discovering new music. When she seeks out new sounds, she is more inclined to explore jazz, whereas I tend to explore a broader array of genres. Our musical preferences are occasionally aligned, such as when we both enjoy certain bands and artists, and occasionally we find ourselves laughing at each other’s “guilty pleasures.”
Conclusion: A Reflection of Personality and Experience
In conclusion, comparing and contrasting music tastes with a spouse or partner can be both enlightening and challenging. It provides a peek into the inner world of the other person, but it also highlights the unique aspects of their personal experience. Music has the power to bridge divides and enrich our lives, even when our tastes may not always align. In my case, music has been not just a shared interest but also a reflection of our respective personalities and life experiences.