So right now my brother is the middle of taking his AS exams and it took me back to this time last year when I was finishing my A Levels and reminded me of the tiring hours of revision and the STRESS STRESS STRESS of thinking I was going to fail. I was terrible at revision because I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't have dead silence because I was very aware there was nothing else but me revising and the television was far too distracting. It made me think about, potentially, the many of you who are doing A levels, AS levels, GSCEs or even university exams who are going through the same thing and how you find revision and whether its hard to concentrate.
Well, during my revision sessions last year, I discovered a couple of really good musical choices that I would put on that were the perfect balance between having silence and having something that was way too distracting, so I thought I would share!
The first is a Spanish viol player by the name of Jordi Savall (for those of you who don't know what a viol is, it is a 6-stringed instrument that was developed in the mid-1400s - almost a precursor to the cello). His repertoire specialises around Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque, so date-wise from around 1400-1700 and mainly consists of early stringed ensembles with some vocal works. He is a really important figure in promoting early music and bringing instruments like the viol back to the stage which I really admire.
Although the music itself is not something you would choose to put on, for me it is perfect background music. The music doesn't feel imposing, it's very easy listening so you can carry on with work whilst feeling you have some warm, exotic company with you - the nature of the music and the use of the percussion takes me back in time to Medieval Spain which is lovely and lightens my mood everytime, which is definately something you need during exam time!! His albums La Folia (1490-1701) and Lluís del Milà: Fantasies, Pavanes & Gallardes are two in particular that I find very easy to work to. Here a couple of his examples of his music, but they are available on iTunes if you wanted to listen further. I REALLY hope you enjoy them :)
If you seriously can't get on with the 'classical' music then I've found The Leisure Society and their album The Sleeper to be very relaxing and unimposing in the same way as Jordi Savall. Dynamically, the music is pretty consistent throughout some of their songs and the use of the instruments, particuarly in using pizzicato or 'plucking' I should say with the guitar creates a very lovely mellow atmosphere. The song The Last of the Melting Snow is beautiful, with a sweet legato accompaniment, married with a rocking under current of plucked guitar to give just enough energy to the piece. You can listen to a few of their songs on their own website, if you click here including We Were Wasted which is also lovely and again you can listen to them on Youtube, iTunes, Spotify, whatever you fancy!
If you do have exams going on right now I wish you the best of luck and I hope I have provided a little remedy for the stress of revision. Just think, it doesn't last forever. It will all be over soon!
Lots of love and see you soon yummy people
Alice xxx
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