Baker Street Irregulars discussion

Does anyone listen to background music or such things like that when reading Holmes? I usually put on a fireplace DVD and sometimes one with a thunderstorm.

The only time I ever put on any background music was nightshift at work when the other guys were being too loud to read. (I have the type of job where there is 90% wait and 10% your head is on fire) I used to put on either a fireplace or thunderstorm. But, I found the number of minor errors I made at my job increased significantly. So, no more background music...no more errors.

I listen to Bach, particularly this largo: https://youtu.be/Jnf5ceGLN94 Holmes probably would have hated it. All I can remember is he loved Mendelssohn. Which is quite another thing altogether https://youtu.be/o1dBg__wsuo Mendelssohn was a romantic, it's weird but I find these emotionally remote hyper intellectuals tend to go for the fiery romantic stuff. My husband listens to Beethoven, whom I cannot bear. I wonder if Holmes would have liked Debussy... https://youtu.be/M9fwpLN25ns Maybe too chaotic and fractured (I love it).

I can't listen to any kind of music while reading. I get distracted easily even when it's quiet, If I had my old gentle rainstorm tape, I'd probably listen to that. But I'm better off just limiting myself to easygoing classical music while I write or do research. Good topic, by the way.

I can't listen to music while I read, either. I end up listening to the music without even realizing it. But I tend to listen to movie soundtracks while I write, and the soundtrack for Master and Commander is a personal favorite of mine.

The Master and Commander soundtrack makes for great historical adventure story background music. Pandora is useful - open an instrumental station and thumb down any music that is distracting or has lyrics.

I always end up using Spotify, just because I like being able to make my own playlists, but I've been meaning to try Pandora lately. Since you mentioned it, I'll give it a go.

I dont know how you guys manage it. I am not able to concentrate on what i am reading when i listen to any song or music. I need total silence to properly concentrate.

I'm the opposite - I can't just sit and read. I have to do multiple things or my brain won't function. I prefer to read something, watch TV or listen to music, and do a handcraft (knit, crochet, tat, etc.) all at the same time.

In my younger days, I had a book in each room and would read dependent up which room I occupied. These days my books are all electronic so I read on my phone, computer, or Kindle.

T.D. wrote: "I'm the opposite - I can't just sit and read. I have to do multiple things or my brain won't function. I prefer to read something, watch TV or listen to music, and do a handcraft (knit, crochet, ta..."

Wow! strange but impressive. You are a true multitasker ;)

I too used to have a book in multiple locations - by the bed, in the living room and one in my bag when I commuted, but I'm now retired so I can just read one at a time by reading in the living room or in bed.

I like classical music, sound tracks or nature sounds (rain, storms, etc) when I read - something to suit the book. Mendelssohn's Hebrides is one of my favorites along with The 4 Seasons by Vivaldi and The Planet Suite by Elgar. Not songs as I tend to listen to the words instead of reading and absorbing the story.