Classic Music Recommendations?

[sms78 18]

I came to US 1.5 months ago and am in the mood of doing something different. Right now first time in my life I'm interested in classic music. Two of my all time favorite songs are Dvorak Symphony No. 9 and Chopin Polonaise Op. 53.

I want to learn and explore more about classic music. Starting from famous European and American composers. Any recommendations?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Wow, where to start? Have you listened to other Chopin pieces? How about Beethoven, Mozart? Are the two above-named pieces the only ones you have listened to?

[sms78 18]

Wow, where to start? Have you listened to other Chopin pieces? How about Beethoven, Mozart? Are the two above-named pieces the only ones you have listened to?

Well...I don't know about other countries, but in Japan music is one of the required subject in grade schools. Soooo I should have listened to most of the famous ones. I remember we had a pop quiz on Holst's The Planets... lol. Because of the way they teach music though, I developed pretty much no interest in classic music up until now. I would like to refresh my memory and get myself familiarized with classic music again. So what are the must listen or just what would you like to listen?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

So do you lean right now more toward big orchestral pieces or more intimate chamber music? The two pieces you list are both 19th-century pieces, so we could stay in that century.

I mean, I can just give you some of my faves, but they might not reach you, you know?

[X Factor 1,110]

[JohnR! 5,495]

Your music library is nothing without 'The Four Seasons', preferably by the Berlin Philharmonic under the guidance of Von Karajan. You may also want to look into all the available Concenti Grossi, notably Corelli's, which is a masterpiece, to name just a couple from a wealth of choices.

Look for audio streaming from radio stations around the world for good samplers that may entice your taste.

Here is a link for KDFC in the Bay Area. http://www.kdfc.com/

Have fun. It should be a memorable journey!

[Calypso 464]

I'm no expert in classical music but I listen to it occasionally. My two cats love it so. The composers that I really admire are Vivaldi (The Four Seasons of course), Tchaikovsky (The Sixth Symphony) and Haydn (Op. 76, No.3). I'm also getting fond of a few living American pianists like Scott Cossu whose pieces are greatly influenced by classical music. If it weren't for Pandora, I wouldn't have known him.

[Calypso 464]

Is this your idea of contributing to a supposedly decent discussion? If Spooky were the one to make this type of post, it would've been deleted by now and he'd be banned from the thread instantly.

[sms78 18]

So do you lean right now more toward big orchestral pieces or more intimate chamber music? The two pieces you list are both 19th-century pieces, so we could stay in that century.

I mean, I can just give you some of my faves, but they might not reach you, you know?

Interesting point. I think I do like Romantic era composers.

[Que Saudade 284]

Bach. Air on the G string composed 1723

[sms78 18]

Your music library is nothing without 'The Four Seasons', preferably by the Berlin Philharmonic under the guidance of Von Karajan. You may also want to look into all the available Concenti Grossi, notably Corelli's, which is a masterpiece, to name just a couple from a wealth of choices.

Look for audio streaming from radio stations around the world for good samplers that may entice your taste.

Here is a link for KDFC in the Bay Area. http://www.kdfc.com/

Have fun. It should be a memorable journey!

Thank you for the link.

I live in LA and Dudamel inspired me to explore classical music. I'll make sure it will be a fantastic journey:D I've been missing out so much!

[justashooter 430]

mozazrt's string quintets are recommended. intimate, yet breadth of expression. simple, in a complex way.

[Darnell 8,478]

I am classical music maven.

Here's a thought, or two, however malformed.

your local library usually has the OLD recordings on vinyl, available to check out.

What I do for 'fun research' is to take a piece I really like,

then see who's recorded it, and when,

then listen to as many different recordings of it as I can find,

and spot the differences, when studying the score and listening.

It's a fun hobby !!

As you get more INTO it, you'll start digging for vinyl between 1918 to 1969, as that's when MOST of the better conductors and orchestras were recorded on vinyl. My best finds always have been at garage sales and charity resale shops, when the disc is sold for less than a dollar

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Interesting point. I think I do like Romantic era composers.

All right! so...

Chopin wrote exclusively for the piano (except one or two pieces) so if you like him, any of his music is incredible.

You might try Beethoven Bagatelles and his late string quartets for a start.

I love the Schubert piano sonata D. 571, which is unfinished.

A lot of people like Brahms (I don't, but better give him a mention .

If you want to branch out into the 20th century, I love the Shostakovich cello sonata.

Edited August 15, 2012 by Harpa Timsah