GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Classical Music for Beginners => Topic started by: hornteacher on January 29, 2008, 03:22:36 AM

Title: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: hornteacher on January 29, 2008, 03:22:36 AM
In an effort to create a better starter list for beginners, come up with a list of ten composers and ONE selection for each composer that would be a great introduction for a beginner.

For Example:

Bach - Brandenberg #2
Haydn - Symphony 94
Mozart - Clarinet Concerto
Beethoven - Symphony 5
Schubert - Trout
Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto
Brahms - Symphony 1
Dvorak - Symphony 9
Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet
Shoshtakovich - Symphony 5
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Ephemerid on January 29, 2008, 04:42:42 AM
Good choices  :)

Bach: Cello Suite No. 6
Stravinsky: Symphony of Pslams
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10
Britten: Sinfonia da Requiem
Takemitsu: Tree-Line
Debussy: Pelleas et Melisande
Messiaen: Les Offrandes oubliees
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 16
Barber: Knoxville: Summer of 1915
Vaughan Williams: Silent Noon (for very personal reasons)

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: ChamberNut on January 29, 2008, 04:59:23 AM
Brahms - Clarinet Sonata No. 1
Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 14 Moonlight
Bach - Cello Suite # 1
Vivaldi - The Four Seasons
Mozart - Symphony No. 40
Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture
Wagner - Ride of the Valkries
Stravinsky - The Rite of Spring
Elgar - Pomp & Circumstance
DeBussy - Danse sacree et danse profane
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: premont on February 03, 2008, 12:26:25 PM
Quote from: hornteacher on January 29, 2008, 03:22:36 AM

Bach - Brandenberg #2

Excuse me :  BRANDENBURG. Who told you otherwise??
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: premont on February 03, 2008, 12:39:35 PM
Machault : Mass
Binchois: Triste plaisir
DuFay: Vergine bella
Busnois: Bel acueil
Dowland: Lacrimae (7 pavanes)
Sweelinck: Fantasia chromatica
Buxtehude: Toccata d-minor
Bach: Brandenburg 2
Beethoven: Pianosonata 23
Bartok: Pianoconcerto 3

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: gomro on February 03, 2008, 04:44:29 PM
Quote from: hornteacher on January 29, 2008, 03:22:36 AM
In an effort to create a better starter list for beginners, come up with a list of ten composers and ONE selection for each composer that would be a great introduction for a beginner.


Just off the top of my head, composers I've been playing recently

Akutagawa - Ellora Symphony
Peck - The Glory and the Grandeur
Wuorinen - The Great Procession
Gerhard - Symphony #3 "Collages"
Stockhausen - Freude
Reich - Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ
Yoshimatsu - Symphony #4
Adams - Harmonielehre
Dallapiccola - Variationi per Orchestra
Messiaen - Turangalila Symphonie

There's an esoteric "intro" list, I guess! Oh well...someone else will no doubt cover Beethoven and Mendelssohn.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: paulb on February 03, 2008, 06:02:29 PM
If someone came up to me and asked for directions to the doorway to classical music, of course depending on his previous musical influences, heavy rock, jazz etc.
In general I'd direct them to all of Mozart, all Debussy, all Ravel and all Prokofiev.
No Bartok nor Shostakovich. Not at the beginning at least.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on February 04, 2008, 02:46:05 AM
Quote from: premont on February 03, 2008, 12:26:25 PM
Excuse me :  BRANDENBURG. Who told you otherwise??

It was obviously just a misspelling, or he misremembered.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: premont on February 04, 2008, 04:51:11 AM
Quote from: Sforzando on February 04, 2008, 02:46:05 AM
It was obviously just a misspelling, or he misremembered.

I ask, because I have seen the same error made several times by other posters, so I wonder what the source of this mistake may be.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on February 04, 2008, 05:14:11 AM
Quote from: premont on February 04, 2008, 04:51:11 AM
I ask, because I have seen the same error made several times by other posters, so I wonder what the source of this mistake may be.

I don't know. Perhaps to his eye, a mountain looks like a castle and castle looks like a mountain.

Anyhow - to the question. This won't be an exact answer, but on the few occasions that someone has actually asked me for a starter selection for a beginner, I have made up a set of three sampler CDs, each with about a dozen self-contained pieces of music representing a good variety of major composers and works in any genres. (Yes, I know it's not legal to do this.) The selections aren't written in stone and could change next time I'm asked this question, but I think it's a good idea not to throw too much at the beginner at first. At the same time I don't want to confine a new listener only to orchestral music of the 19th century, which is what so many music-appreciation courses and such seem to emphasize. And so the three sampler disks concentrate first on the most familiar period, then branch out chronologically to early and modern music (with a little LvB in the middle so the gap isn't too jarring), and then concentrate on a single composer (Beethoven, of course  :D).


DISK 1: Baroque through Romantic
1.   JS Bach (1685-1750). Toccata and Fugue in D minor. BWV 565. E. Power Biggs, organ
2.   Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757). Sonata in G, K.14, K. 387. Igor Kipnis, harpsichord
3.   Frederic Chopin (1810-49). Ballade #1 in G minor, Op. 23. Artur Rubinstein, piano
4.   Claude Debussy (1862-1918). L'Isle Joyeuse. Robert Casadesus, piano
5.   Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91).  Piano Concerto #23 in A, K. 488, finale.  Robert Casadesus, piano, George Szell, Cleveland Orchestra
6.   Mozart, Non più andraì from Le Nozze di Figaro.  Cesare Siepi, bass, Erich Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic.
7.   Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901). La Donna è Mobile and Quartet from Rigoletto. Jan Peerce, tenor, Erna Berger, soprano, et al., Renato Cellini conductor
8.   Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924).  Un bel dì from Madame Butterfly. Maria Callas, soprano, Tullio Serafin, conductor.
9.   Richard Wagner (1813-83). Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde. Kirsten Flagstad, Wilhelm Furtwängler conductor.
10.   Franz Schubert (1797-1828). Two songs from Die Schöne Müllerin: Mein, Die Liebe Farbe. Petre Munteanu, tenor
11.   Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-93). Symphony No. 4 in f minor, Op. 36: 3rd movement, Scherzo.  Igor Markevitch, London Symphony Orchestra.
12.   Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Symphony No. 7 in A, Op. 92: 4th movement, Allegro con brio.  Carlos Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic

DISK 2: Early and modern music
1.   Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1300-77).  Hareu, hareu, le feu / Helas, on sera pris. David Munrow and the Early Music Consort of London.
2.   Guillaume Dufay (1397-1474). Ce moys de may. David Munrow.
3.   Josquin des Prez (c. 1455-1521).  Ave Maria.  Tallis Scholars
4.   Josquin des Prez.  El Grillo (The Cricket). Hilliard Ensemble.
5.   Carlo Gesualdo (1561-1613). Or che in gioia credea / O sempre crudo amore. Robert Craft conducting.
6.   Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643). From Vespers: Psalm 121, Laetatus sum. Jürgen Jürgens conducting the Monteverdi Chorus of Hamburg and Vienna Concensus Musicus.
7.   Henry Purcell (1659-95).  Fantasia on one Note for 5 viols. Fretwork.
8.   Ludwig van Beethoven.  Quartet #13 in Bb, Op. 130, 3rd movement, Andante con moto. Yale Quartet.
9.   Gustav Mahler (1860-1911). Symphony #5 in C# minor, 4th movement, Adagietto. Rudolf Barshai conducting German Youth Philharmonic.
10.   Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951).  Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 16. #1: Premonitions, #3 Colors.  Pierre Boulez, BBC Symphony.
11.   Anton Webern (1883-1945). Concerto for 9 Instruments, Op. 24, 1st and 3rd movements.  Robert Craft conducting.
12.   Béla Bartók (1881-1945). Quartet #5, 3rd movement: Scherzo.  Takacs Quartet
13.   Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971). Les Noces (The Wedding), Part IV.  Leonard Bernstein conducting.
14.   Luciano Berio (1925-2003).  Sinfonia, 2nd movement: O King.  Swingle Singers, Pierre Boulez conducting Orchestre Nationale de France
15.   Elliott Carter (1908-   ).  A Celebration of 100x150 Notes. Oliver Knussen, London Sinfonietta
16.   Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975).  Violin Concerto #1 in A minor, Op. 99, 2nd movement: Scherzo.  Lydia Mordkovitch, violin, Neeme Järvi, Scottish National Orchestra.

DISK 3  Music of Beethoven
1.   Overture to Goethe's Egmont, Op. 84.  Ferenc Fricsay, Berlin Philharmonic
2.   Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 (Pathetique), 2nd movement.  Eric Heidsieck
3.   String Quartet No. 6 in Bb, Op. 18 #6, 3rd movement.  Juilliard Quartet
4.   String Quartet No. 2 in G, Op. 18 #2, 4th movement.  Juilliard Quartet
5.   Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, 1st movement, Allegro con brio.  Gunther Schuller, unnamed orchestra
6.   Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 (Appassionata), 2nd movement.  Yves Nat (with a bit of the opening of the 3rd movement, connecting without pause to:)
7.   String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, Op. 95, 1st movement, Allegro con brio.  Juilliard Quartet
8.   Symphony No. 8 in F, Op. 92, 2nd movement, Allegretto scherzando.  George Szell, Cleveland Orchestra
9.   Piano Sonata No. 24 in F# major, Op. 78, 1st movement.  Robert Casadesus
10.   Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101, 1st movement.  Charles Rosen
11.   String Quartet No. 16 in F, Op. 135, 2nd movement, Vivace; 3rd movement, Lento cantabile.  Yale Quartet
12.   Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, choral portion of finale.  Soloists, Ferenc Fricsay, Berlin Philharmonic
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Don on February 04, 2008, 05:27:37 AM
Bach - Goldberg Variations
Beethoven - Sym. 9
Mozart - Clarinet Concerto
Schumann - Davidsbundlertanze
Schubert - Trout Quintet
Brahms - Violin Concerto
Dvorak - Piano Quintet, Op. 81
Stravinsky - Rite of Spring
Bruckner - Sym. 7
Mahler - Sym. 4
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Steve on February 04, 2008, 08:42:56 AM
Beethoven, Symphony No. 3
Shostakovich, Symphony No. 10
Mahler, Das Lied von Der Erde
Chopin, Etudes
Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsodies
Bach, Brandenburg Concerti
Schubert, Symphony No.8, "Unfinished"
Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto No. 1
Stravinsky, Rite of Spring
Brahms, Violin Concero in D
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: longears on February 04, 2008, 08:28:07 PM
For a newbie to classical music?

Beethoven "Waldstein",
Bach d minor concerto for 2 Violins,
Mozart symphony #40,
Brahms A major serenade,
Stravinsky Rite of Spring,
Sibelius violin concerto,
Debussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun,
Gershwin An American in Paris,
Schumann Piano Quintet,
Rach 2.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Bonehelm on February 04, 2008, 09:00:18 PM
Quote from: Steve on February 04, 2008, 08:42:56 AM
Beethoven, Symphony No. 3
Shostakovich, Symphony No. 10
Mahler, Das Lied von Der Erde
Chopin, Etudes
Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsodies
Bach, Brandenburg Concerti
Schubert, Symphony No.8, "Unfinished"
Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto No. 1
Stravinsky, Rite of Spring
Brahms, Violin Concero in D

Steve, I'm worried that the DSCH 10 and RoS wouldn't appeal to beginners of classical music  :-X
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: longears on February 05, 2008, 05:06:02 AM
Quote from: Nande ya nen? on February 04, 2008, 09:00:18 PM
Steve, I'm worried that the DSCH 10 and RoS wouldn't appeal to beginners of classical music  :-X
Some seem unconcerned about that.  Seems to me that recommendations for beginners in general (rather than specific persons whose predilections one knows) ought be pieces with time-tested broad appeal, and that such an introductory list should comprise major figures and a variety of genres.  In addition to those considerations, my choices were guided by my own experiences as a new listener and by the experiences of others I know--most of whom were excited and intrigued by the RoS on first hearing.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Timmyb on February 05, 2008, 04:30:45 PM
This lot shouldn't scare too many off.
Beethoven - Symphony no 5
Schubert - Impromptus
Mozart - symphony no 40
Dvorak - cello concerto
Tchaikovsky - ballet suites
Sibelius - violin concerto
Brahms - piano concerto no 1
Chopin - nocturnes
Rachmaninov - cello sonata
Vaughan Williams - the lark ascending
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: hornteacher on February 05, 2008, 06:39:34 PM
Quote from: premont on February 04, 2008, 04:51:11 AM
I ask, because I have seen the same error made several times by other posters, so I wonder what the source of this mistake may be.

I didn't look at my CD cover before I typed it.   ;D
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Keemun on February 06, 2008, 08:03:57 AM
Here's my list:  ;D

Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
Beethoven – String Quartet No. 15
Brahms – German Requiem
Bruckner – Symphony No. 7
Dvorak – Symphony No. 9
Mozart – Clarinet Concerto
Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto No. 2
Schubert – Symphony No. 8
Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: MN Dave on February 06, 2008, 08:23:58 AM
Beethoven: Fifth Symphony
Brahms: Fourth Symphony
Bach: Goldberg Variations
Schubert: "Trout" Quintet
Schumann: Piano Concerto
Sibelius: Violin Concerto
Chopin: Nocturnes
Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Purcell: Funeral Music for Queen Mary
Saint-Saens: Danse Macabre
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Steve on February 07, 2008, 12:47:25 AM
Quote from: Nande ya nen? on February 04, 2008, 09:00:18 PM
Steve, I'm worried that the DSCH 10 and RoS wouldn't appeal to beginners of classical music  :-X

When, by chance, I am able to turn someone on to classical music, I find that Rite of Spring makes an excellent starting point. Beginners can respond to its lush themes and transcendent imagery. (Sacrifice, Glory, Games, etc).

As far as Shostakovich's 10th goes, I suppose it is, as Keenum mentioned, a matter of intent with such lists. When I put together this list, I wasn't looking specifically for 'simple' or overly accessible pieces, just elements from the cannon that highlight particular genres. The 10th was my first exposure to Shostakovich, so I suppose my opinion may be slanted.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on February 08, 2008, 06:05:26 AM
Quote from: longears on February 05, 2008, 05:06:02 AM
Says Nande ya nen? "Steve, I'm worried that the DSCH 10 and RoS wouldn't appeal to beginners of classical music." 

Some seem unconcerned about that.  Seems to me that recommendations for beginners in general (rather than specific persons whose predilections one knows) ought be pieces with time-tested broad appeal, and that such an introductory list should comprise major figures and a variety of genres.  In addition to those considerations, my choices were guided by my own experiences as a new listener and by the experiences of others I know--most of whom were excited and intrigued by the RoS on first hearing.

I don't know if I'm considered one of the "some," but I think my three sampler discs meet most of the above criteria, with some exceptions. I wanted to give the beginner first a sampler - no piece more than 10 minutes, so as not to tax the new listener's powers of concentration, and a large variety of genres and periods. So my disc #1 includes piano music, chamber, opera, Lieder, and orchestral pieces from about 1630-1920, all of which are probably of immediate appeal. (The last person I gave it to was most taken, predictably, by the Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky selections.) Disc #2 on the other hand was intended to branch out beyond the expected repertory, to show the new listener that there are other things music can do besides the traditional patterns. And in fact a couple of people I gave this to showed unexpected interest in Renaissance music. Bartók, and Elliott Carter. Disc #3 goes into a single composer's music in a bit more depth, showing the three traditional periods from Beethoven's output in samples for piano, quartet, and orchestra.

In this way I hope to give the beginner a "tasting menu," after which they can pursue their own interests.

I do admit that some of the lists here have seemed more esoteric than I would prefer.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Haffner on February 08, 2008, 07:08:49 AM
Bach- Brandenburg Concerto #5
Beethoven- op. 59
Brahms- Piano Concerto #1
Gorecki-Symphony no.3
J. Haydn- op. 20
Mozart- String Quintet in G minor
Mahler- Symphony no. 4
Schoenberg- Pierrot Lunaire
Verdi- La Traviata
Wagner:- Der Fliegende Hollander
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: karlhenning on February 08, 2008, 08:16:25 AM
Quote from: hornteacher on January 29, 2008, 03:22:36 AM
Shoshtakovich - Symphony 5

Oh, I hope you're not in the classroom; your speech is slurred today  ;D
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Haffner on February 08, 2008, 08:33:15 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on February 08, 2008, 08:16:25 AM
Oh, I hope you're not in the classroom; your speech is slurred today  ;D


Actually, let's could switch the Gorecki I listed for Shostakovich's 4th or 10th. Or his 7 or 8th SQ. Or...

My thinking is slurred today...(and it's been since X-mas without zee Weed of Joy. GAD!

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: karlhenning on February 08, 2008, 08:39:56 AM
Quote from: Haffner on February 08, 2008, 08:33:15 AM
Weed of Joy

Dandelion?
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Haffner on February 08, 2008, 08:44:32 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on February 08, 2008, 08:39:56 AM
Dandelion?





"Mandrake Root" (Coloured Deepest Purple) ;D
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Xenophanes on February 08, 2008, 09:19:50 AM
Quote from: premont on February 03, 2008, 12:26:25 PM
Excuse me :  BRANDENBURG. Who told you otherwise??

Maybe he likes mountains?
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: quintett op.57 on February 15, 2008, 11:56:39 PM
Franck - Piano quintet
Schnittke - Cello Sonata n°1
R.Strauss - Thus spoke Zarathoustra
Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique
Ravel - String quartet
Smetana - String quartet n°1
Mussorgsky - Pictures at an exhibition
Borodin - String quartet n°2
Pärt - Tabula Rasa
Glass - String quartet n°5

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Benji on February 16, 2008, 09:17:20 AM
Quote from: quintett op.57 on February 15, 2008, 11:56:39 PM
R.Strauss - Thus spoke Zarathoustra
Pärt - Tabula Rasa


I'd have thought so too, but my experience introducing Zarathoustra to friends is one of short-lived thrill and rapidly decreasing interest. Shocking, yes.

But yes, Pärt was very succesful, but I got better responses to Fratres than Tabula Rasa, which mirrors my own preference anyway.


Ok, so might I suggest the works that hooked me:

Mahler - Symphony No.1
Holst - The Planets
Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis (you'd have to be dead inside to not be moved by that, if you can get the required stillness
Stravinsky - Le Sacre du Printemps
Rachmaninov - 2nd Piano Concerto
Dvorak - 9th Symphony
Debussy - Preludes, book 1
Janacek - Sinfonietta
Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue

and finally, my secret wardrobe, the door through which I entered this magical world (and I suspect I am not alone in my generation in having this experience) - the John Williams scores to the Star Wars films. And yes, I'm still very fond of this music as any of the works above, and not just for nostalgic reasons.  :)

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Christo on February 18, 2008, 11:27:18 AM
Ten easy starters to begin with, at random:

Frederick Delius, La Calinda (from Koanga)
Ralph Vaughan Williams, Charterhouse Suite (for Strings)
Gustav Holst, Capriccio
Walter Leigh, Concertino for Harpsichord and Strings
John Ireland, Concertino Pastorale
Eugene Goossens, Oboe Concerto
Lennox Berkeley, Divertimento
Cornelis Dopper, Chiaconna Gotica
Hendrik Andriessen, Kuhnau Variaties
Joly Braga Santos, Divertimento no. 1





Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: eyeresist on February 25, 2008, 06:09:02 PM
10 composers, 10 introductory pieces...

Mozart - piano concerto 20
Beethoven - symphony 3
Schubert - symphony 8
Chopin - preludes
Brahms - symphony 4
Dvorak - symphony 8
Mahler - symphony 1
Elgar - Enigma variations
Sibelius - symphony 5
Prokofiev - symphony 5


No Bruckner for the first few years!
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: longears on February 26, 2008, 05:10:10 AM
Quote from: eyeresist on February 25, 2008, 06:09:02 PM
No Bruckner for the first few years!
And no chamber music, either? (aside from the Chopin)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Teresa on February 26, 2008, 11:44:25 PM
DEBUSSY, CLAUDE (1862-1918)
  Images for Orchestra (1908)
DUKAS, PAUL (1865-1935)
  The Sorcerer's Apprentice (1897)
GOULD, MORTON (1913-1996)
  Latin American Symphonette (1940)
GRIEG, EDVARD (1843-1907)
  Peer Gynt: Suites 1 & 2 (1876)
GROFÉ, FERDE (1892-1972)
  Grand Canyon Suite for Orchestra (1931)
HOLST, GUSTAV (1874-1934)
  The Planets, Op. 32 (1916)
IPPOLITOV-IVANOV, MIKHAIL (1859-1935)
  Caucasian Sketches, Op. 10 (1894)
MASSENET, JULES (1842-1912)
  Le Cid: Ballet Music (1885)
NIELSEN, CARL (1865-1931)
  Aladdin Suite
THOMSON, VIRGIL (1896-1989)
  The Plow That Broke The Plains: Suite (1936)

Damn this was hard but here are 10 musically colorful classical compositions should be likable to anyone how has never heard classical music before.

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: BachQ on February 27, 2008, 02:17:22 AM
Quote from: Teresa on February 26, 2008, 11:44:25 PM
IPPOLITOV-IVANOV, MIKHAIL (1859-1935)
  Caucasian Sketches, Op. 10 (1894)

And there is virtually nothing else from Ippolitov-Ivanov to recommend to a beginner .........  
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Topaz on February 27, 2008, 03:33:41 AM
1   Beethoven - Moonlight Piano Sonata
2   Mozart - Clarinet Quintet
3   Schubert - Notturno, D 897 (or Adagio of String Quintet, D 956)
4   Brahms - Clarinet Quintet
5   Schumann - Romance Op 28/2
6   Haydn - Trumpet Concerto
7   Bach - Cantata BWV 140
8   Sibelius - Andante Festivo
9   Wagner - Entry of the Gods into Valhalla
10   Handel - Messiah (selection of about 5 tracks)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: greg on February 27, 2008, 08:15:14 AM
hmmmmmmm for beginners, eh?


Brahms- Piano Concerto #1
Mahler- Symphony #6
Xenakis- Ata
Bach- Well-Tempered Clavier
Beethoven- Moonlight Sonata
Stravinsky- Rite of Spring
Adams- Harmonielehre
Shostakovich- String Quartet #8
Sibelius- Nightride and Sunrise
Prokofiev- Cello Sinfonia Concertante
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: eyeresist on February 27, 2008, 06:15:41 PM
Quote from: longears on February 26, 2008, 05:10:10 AM
And no chamber music, either? (aside from the Chopin)
And no opera, choral music, or lieder. It would be hypocritical to recommend music that doesn't interest me - that's for others to do.

(To qualify, I am interested in piano music, but I think the richer and more varied sound of the orchestra makes new music more accessible to classical n00bs.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: RebLem on March 04, 2008, 08:49:35 AM
Bach, J.S.:  Brandenburg Concerto 2
Handel:  Messiah
Haydn:  Sym 94 "Surprise"
Mozart:  Clarinet Concerto
Beethoven:  Violin Concerto
Brahms: Violin Concerto
Dvorak: Cello Concerto
Stravinsky:  Le sacre du printemps
Prokofiev:  Sym 1 "Classical"
Shostakovich:  Piano Quintet
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Tsaraslondon on March 04, 2008, 09:06:38 AM
Thinking of the works that got me started (only a teenager at the time, remember, so my taste was not very sophisticated).

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
Khachaturian: Piano Concerto
Ravel: Daphins et Chloe
Debussy: La Mer
Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty
Puccini: La Boheme
Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana
Prokoviev: Romeo and Juliet
Poulenc: Piano Concerto

If there seems to be a French/Russian bias, then that is because my mentor, through whom I discovered a lot of music, and who encouraged my new passion, was, and still is, a big fan of Russian and French music. This was all around the age of 14. By about 18, I was heavily into opera, especially Verdi and Puccini. I remember that my love of Mozart came later, (in my 20s), and Bach later still. Now I have, I hope, more sophisticated tastes over a wide range of musical styles and periods, but I still enjoy the ten pieces named above. Only the Khachaturian now seems less than a masterpiece, though I still enjoy giving it the occasional outing


Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Teresa on March 08, 2008, 06:16:04 PM
Quote from: Tsaraslondon on March 04, 2008, 09:06:38 AM
Thinking of the works that got me started (only a teenager at the time, remember, so my taste was not very sophisticated).

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
Khachaturian: Piano Concerto
Ravel: Daphins et Chloe
Debussy: La Mer
Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty
Puccini: La Boheme
Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana
Prokoviev: Romeo and Juliet
Poulenc: Piano Concerto

If there seems to be a French/Russian bias, then that is because my mentor, through whom I discovered a lot of music, and who encouraged my new passion, was, and still is, a big fan of Russian and French music. This was all around the age of 14. By about 18, I was heavily into opera, especially Verdi and Puccini. I remember that my love of Mozart came later, (in my 20s), and Bach later still. Now I have, I hope, more sophisticated tastes over a wide range of musical styles and periods, but I still enjoy the ten pieces named above. Only the Khachaturian now seems less than a masterpiece, though I still enjoy giving it the occasional outing


Yours seems to be the best beginner list so far (of course next  to mine), most of the other posters recommendations would "scare" me away from Classical Music for good.  While they may enjoy lots of long symphonies these are too difficult for beginners.  For example I love the symphonies of Mahler and Shostakovich but I would never recommend a neebee try these first!  For Shostakovich the Festival Overture, Hamlet, The Bolt, The Age of Gold, The Jazz Suites and Tea for Two would be better entry points.

I believe Symphonic Poems, Overtures, Ballet and other music with lots of tonal color and rememberable melody lines are much better place to begin with any composer.   I think posters are losing sight this is supposed to be a starter list for beginners!! 
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Tsaraslondon on March 09, 2008, 12:14:48 AM
Quote from: Teresa on March 08, 2008, 06:16:04 PM
Yours seems to be the best beginner list so far (of course next  to mine), most of the other posters recommendations would "scare" me away from Classical Music for good.  While they may enjoy lots of long symphonies these are too difficult for beginners.  For example I love the symphonies of Mahler and Shostakovich but I would never recommend a neebee try these first!  For Shostakovich the Festival Overture, Hamlet, The Bolt, The Age of Gold, The Jazz Suites and Tea for Two would be better entry points.

I believe Symphonic Poems, Overtures, Ballet and other music with lots of tonal color and rememberable melody lines are much better place to begin with any composer.   I think posters are losing sight this is supposed to be a starter list for beginners!! 

Thank you, Teresa. That is what I tried to provide. I don't think I was an unusual teenager. I still had a healthy love of pop music, though I did come from a musical family. My father was an amateur musician, who was musical director of many of the local operatic societies, albeit those who put on musicals and operetta, rather than opera. My mother sang, my brother was learning the clarinet and I the piano. Music was always part of our daily life, though not necessarily classical music. It was really a family friend who got me into classical music, and I will remain indebted to him for the rest of my life. He was quick to understand and see which pieces I responded to, usually, as you say, pieces with lots of tonal colour and memorable melody lines, and gently led me along my voyage of discovery; one I am still enjoying to this day. Appreciation of the core classics (Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Mozart, Schubert etc came much later), but I think it is probably down to him that, now in my 50s,  I have such wide ranging tastes. Really there are very few areas of classical music that I don't enjoy or appreciate on some level.

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: techniquest on March 15, 2008, 11:55:33 PM
These would be my recommendations:

Rimsky Korsakov: Russian Easter Overture
Orff: Carmina Burana (all of it - not just the 'O Fortuna' bit)
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.1
Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture (Fingals Cave)
Britten: Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra
Borodin: Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor
Ravel: La Valse
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending
Janacek: Sinfonietta
Arnold: Concerto for 2 Pianos (Three Hands)

That should keep you going for a nice day's listening :)

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Teresa on March 23, 2008, 02:14:52 AM
Quote from: techniquest on March 15, 2008, 11:55:33 PM
These would be my recommendations:

Rimsky Korsakov: Russian Easter Overture
Orff: Carmina Burana (all of it - not just the 'O Fortuna' bit)
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.1
Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture (Fingals Cave)
Britten: Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra
Borodin: Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor
Ravel: La Valse
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending
Janacek: Sinfonietta
Arnold: Concerto for 2 Pianos (Three Hands)

That should keep you going for a nice day's listening :)

Excellent choices, I know them all except the Malcolm Arnold piece.  I love all the Malcom Arnold works I have tried so far so I guess I will be looking for the "Concerto for 2 Pianos, three Hands"  Have you heard Arnold's "Tam O'Shanter"?  It's one of my favorites.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: c#minor on March 23, 2008, 04:56:21 PM
Mozart: Requiem
Ravel: SQ in F
Beethoven: "Tempest" Piano Sonata
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 or PC No. 1
Dvorak: New World
Bach: St. Matthew Passion
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 or Piano Quintet in f minor or PC No. 2
Chopin: Ballade in g minor
Rachmaninov: PC No. 2 or Symphony No. 2
Sibelius: Violin Concerto in d minor

I could live if only these pieces of music existed, though the world would not be as happy of a place.

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: dave b on March 23, 2008, 05:34:56 PM
Mozart------horn concertos
Vivaldi------Four Seasons
Respighi----Ancient Airs and Dances ( I know, I list this on every single forum I get on)
Telemann---Trumpet Concerto
Bach-------Brandenburg Concertos
Berlioz-----Racosky March (spelling)
Vaughan Williams---Five Variants on Dives and Lazarus
Dvorak---Cello Concerto
Holst----The Planets
Corelli----Concerti Grossi, Op. 6
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: vandermolen on April 09, 2008, 12:00:18 AM
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

Beethoven: Symphony 7

Bach: Goldberg Variations

Schubert: Unfinished Symphony

Vaughan Williams: Tallis Fantasia

Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra

Sibelius: Symphony 2

Thomas Tallis: Spem in alium

Shostakovich: Symphony 10

Copland: Third Symphony
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Christo on April 09, 2008, 01:18:08 AM
Quote from: dave b on March 23, 2008, 05:34:56 PM
Respighi----Ancient Airs and Dances ( I know, I list this on every single forum I get on)

No problem!

That is to say: as long as you're referring to the Third Suite of these Antiche arie e danze per liuto from 1932 - for Strings alone, and vastly superior to the first two sets (imho, of course).
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Daedalus on April 09, 2008, 02:09:00 AM
Here is my list for beginners.

I have been listening to classical for just over a year and so it isn't that long ago that I was a beginner myself. In fact, I still consider myself to be a neophyte - with all of the music out there, I probably will always feel this way!  ;D

The following were the ten composers and pieces of music that I first listened to and thoroughly enjoyed.
Each piece listed caused me to further investigate each of the composers mentioned.

Bach - Brandenburg Concertos
Beethoven - Symphony no. 5 or no. 7 or no. 9 (take your pick)
Brahms - Symphony no. 3
Dvorak - Cello Concerto
Elgar - Cello Concerto
Handel - Music for the Royal Fireworks or Water Music
Haydn – Cello Concerto 1 or 2
Mahler - Symphony no. 1
Mozart - Clarinet Concerto
Sibelius - Symphony no. 5

D.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on April 09, 2008, 05:21:37 AM
Okay; I'll have a go:

Korngold - Violin Concerto

Roussel - Bacchus et Ariane (Suite No. 2)

Delius - On hearing the first Cuckoo in Spring

Debussy - Fêtes (from the Nocturnes)

Beethoven - Egmont Overure

Wagner - Siegfried's Rhine Journey (from Götterdämmerung)

Liszt - First Piano Concerto

Ravel - Ma Mère L'Oye

Stravinsky - Firebird Suite

Rachmaninov - Symphonic Dances
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: rockerreds on April 09, 2008, 08:03:13 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 09, 2008, 12:00:18 AM
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

Beethoven: Symphony 7

Bach: Goldberg Variations

Schubert: Unfinished Symphony

Vaughan Williams: Tallis Fantasia

Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra

Sibelius: Symphony 2

Thomas Tallis: Spem in alium

Shostakovich: Symphony 10

Copland: Third Symphony
Nice list.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Don on April 09, 2008, 08:21:42 AM
Bach - Well Tempered Clavier
Beethoven - Hammerklavier Sonata
Mozart - Mass in C minor
Brahms - Handel Variations
Shostakovich - Sym. 10
Weinberg - Violin Concerto
Miaskovsky - Violin Concerto
Schumann - Davidsbundlertanze
Chopin - Op. 28 Preludes
Debussy - Piano Etudes
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: vandermolen on April 10, 2008, 12:50:36 PM
Quote from: rockerreds on April 09, 2008, 08:03:13 AM
Nice list.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: greg on April 15, 2008, 03:17:16 PM
Quote from: Sarkosian on April 15, 2008, 08:53:56 AM
Or the teacher who introduces them them to jazzified Mozart's and to the eternal masterpieces of Sade (the singer, not the author  >:D)?
MUCH worse.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: op.110 on April 15, 2008, 05:30:10 PM
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
Brahms: Violin Concerto
Bach: Well Tempered Clavier
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2
Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2
Schubert: Unfinished Symphony
Liszt: Piano Sonata
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9
Mozart: Requiem
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Teresa on April 19, 2008, 08:00:36 PM
Quote from: Jezetha on April 09, 2008, 05:21:37 AM
Okay; I'll have a go:

Korngold - Violin Concerto

Roussel - Bacchus et Ariane (Suite No. 2)

Delius - On hearing the first Cuckoo in Spring

Debussy - Fêtes (from the Nocturnes)

Beethoven - Egmont Overure

Wagner - Siegfried's Rhine Journey (from Götterdämmerung)

Liszt - First Piano Concerto

Ravel - Ma Mère L'Oye

Stravinsky - Firebird Suite

Rachmaninov - Symphonic Dances

Excellent choices!
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on April 19, 2008, 10:15:54 PM
Quote from: Teresa on April 19, 2008, 08:00:36 PM
Excellent choices!

Thanks! I imagined myself to be, say, a 12-year-old - I am sure one of these pieces would have thrilled or moved me...
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: PSmith08 on April 19, 2008, 10:59:52 PM
Bach: Das wohltempierte Klavier I
Mozart: Don Giovanni
Beethoven: Symphony no. 9
Brahms: Symphony no. 1
Wagner: Tristan und Isolde
Bruckner: Symphony no. 8
Mahler: Symphony no. 6
Bartók: String quartet no. 5
Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Opus106 on April 26, 2008, 03:21:41 AM
To the potential classical muisc fan: tune into a good classical radio station, listen to it for a two or three hours, if you can, and start exploring the music from all the works you like. :)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Grazioso on April 26, 2008, 03:35:12 AM
Quote from: Teresa on March 08, 2008, 06:16:04 PM
Yours seems to be the best beginner list so far (of course next  to mine), most of the other posters recommendations would "scare" me away from Classical Music for good.  While they may enjoy lots of long symphonies these are too difficult for beginners.  For example I love the symphonies of Mahler and Shostakovich but I would never recommend a neebee try these first!  For Shostakovich the Festival Overture, Hamlet, The Bolt, The Age of Gold, The Jazz Suites and Tea for Two would be better entry points.

I believe Symphonic Poems, Overtures, Ballet and other music with lots of tonal color and rememberable melody lines are much better place to begin with any composer.   I think posters are losing sight this is supposed to be a starter list for beginners!! 

It's the long, supposedly difficult symphonies of composers like Bruckner and Mahler that helped spark my interest in classical music. There's a good chance someone coming to classical music for the first time is specifically seeking out something more complex, challenging, and emotionally involving than the sorts of simpler music they might have been listening to previously.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: LVB_opus.125 on June 14, 2008, 12:33:17 PM
Bach: Brandenberg #2
Beethoven: 9th Symphony
Dvorak: 7th Symphony
Wagner: Orchestral Highlights*
Handel: Water Music
Schumann: Fantasy in C
Brahms: 4th Symphony
Chopin: Nocturne, op.9
Mozart: Requiem
R. Strauss: Death and Transfiguration
Holst: Planets

I know that this is all day one stuff, but it's best to start off with warhorses and these works all stand up to most seasoned listeners.

*I can't very well recommend a WHOLE opera for beginners, but they must have some exposure to Wagner, regardless.


Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: abidoful on May 27, 2010, 09:43:10 AM
J.S. Bach- St Matthew passion
W.A. Mozart- Don Giovanni
Ludvig van Beethoven- Symphony 9
Franz Schubert- String quintet
F. Mendelssohn- Italian Symphony
F. Chopin- Concerto op.11
F. Liszt- the Faust symphony
R. Wagner- Tristan und Isolde
C. Debussy- Pelleas et Melisande
A.Berg- Wozzeck
This was tough! As can be seen, i started chronologically from baroque to early 20th century and apart from the Schubert Quintet there's only big operatic/oratorio and symphonic works on my list.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: WI Dan on May 28, 2010, 12:13:32 PM
Bach ................ The Goldberg Variations
Mozart ............. Clarinet Quintet
Beethoven ....... Symphony No. 5
Chopin ............. Nocturnes
Smetana .......... Má Vlast
Dvořák ............. String Quintet, op. 77
Grieg ................ Peer Gynt
Fauré ............... Pelléas et Mélisande
Sibelius ............ Lemminkäinen's Return
Rachmaninoff ... Symphonic Dances
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: k-k-k-kenny on June 18, 2010, 10:33:32 PM
To demonstrate that any instrument beyond piano is strictly unnecessary, though I'll toss in a bit of colour and movement from inferior instruments to show how broadminded I am:

Rachmaninoff: Prelude in G minor Op. 23 No. 5 (hard to choose just one of these, but here is the entirety of Russian history compressed into about 4 minutes ...)
Debussy: Preludes Livre 1 No, 10 - La Cathédrale Engoulitie (o course if I'd chosen Rachmaninoff Op. 3 No. 2 I'd hae gone with something other than this)
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 (or No. 2 if you've not heard it before)
Schubert/Liszt (is this cheating?): Vier Geistliche Lieder S 562 - Litanei "Auf Das Fest Aller, Seelen"
Chopin: Polonaise No. 6 Op. 53
Kabeláč: Prelude Op. 30 No. 1, no, wait, No. 5, because I couldn't squeeze in any Chopin nocturnes
Beethoven: hmmmm, better think a bit more about this
Franck: Prelude, Choral et Fugue
Grieg: Piano Concerto Op. 16 (of course later on we shall scoff at anything so common as an uncommon gift for melody. This could as easily have been Tchaikovsky)
... which brings us back to the Beethoven problem.  It seems to be out of sonatas Nos. 8, 14, 21 and 23. I'll go for No. 14. Because everyone has heard the first movement somewhere along the line. And whilst the new listener is lying back feeling that they've got a hold of this classical thing at its close, the short second movement perhaps passing unnoticed, there is, as we know, that moment of "But wait! There's more ..."
And we'll finish with
Bach: Prelude & Fugue in B flat minor BWV 867
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: karlhenning on June 19, 2010, 03:52:29 AM
Quote from: k-k-k-kenny on June 18, 2010, 10:33:32 PM
To demonstrate that any instrument beyond piano is strictly unnecessary . . .

Interesting!

From the Respectful Opposition:

Stravinsky, Three Pieces for clarinet solo
Bartók, Sonata for unaccompanied violin
Ravel, Sonata for violin & cello
Prokofiev, Quintet for oboe, clarinet, violin, viola & double bass, Opus 39
Debussy, Sonata for flute, viola & harp
Webern, Six Songs for voice, clarinet, bass clarinet, violin & cello, Opus 14
Schoenberg, Verklärte Nacht for string sextet, Opus 4
Elliott Carter, Sonata for flute, oboe, cello & harpsichord
Wuorinen, Viola Variations (unaccompanied)
Henning, The Mousetrap for clarinet & viola
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: abidoful on June 19, 2010, 04:31:09 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 19, 2010, 03:52:29 AM

Henning, The Mousetrap for clarinet & viola

Your own piece? :) I love that attitude!!! :D
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: karlhenning on June 19, 2010, 04:57:10 AM
Hey, it's a good piece!
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: abidoful on June 19, 2010, 05:06:37 AM
I don't doubt that, mr  :)
they are kind like ones children, aren't they!
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: karlhenning on June 19, 2010, 05:14:01 AM
Well, but I believe that apart from the proprietary fondness one expects, it's a fine piece.

Have a listen and judge for yourself.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: k-k-k-kenny on June 20, 2010, 04:58:36 PM
I cannae find yer mousetrap, Karl (I dare say I'll have to maintain my mindless prejudice against tooting in all its forms), but I did like the excerpt of yer Passion of St John on utube. Very much.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Octo_Russ on June 21, 2010, 02:58:54 AM
Holst - The Planets
Beethoven - Symphony 5
Schubert - Impromptus
Chopin - Etudes
Brahms - Piano Concerto 2
Tchaikovsky - Nutcracker Suite
Mahler - Symphony 4
Dvorak - Symphony 9
Vivaldi - Four Seasons
Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto 2
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on June 25, 2010, 06:20:18 PM
Okay, 10 composers, 10 works (in no particular order):

1. Mahler: Symphony No. 5
2. Bruckner: Symphony No. 9
3. Bartok: The Wooden Prince
4. Villa-Lobos: Choros No. 11
5. Ravel: Daphnis et Chloe
6. Barber: Violin Concerto
7. Delius: In A Summer Garden
8. Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5
9. Alwyn: Lyra Angelica
10. Respighi: Church Windows

This is an old list I've used many times. It's always subject to change.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: jhar26 on July 10, 2010, 09:36:22 AM
Vivaldi...The Four Seasons
Handel...Water Music
Rodrigo...Concerto de Aranjuez
Rimsky-Korsakov...Scheherazade
Beethoven...Waldstein Sonata
Saint-Saens...Symphony No.3
Dvorak...Symphony No.9
Haydn...The Creation
Mozart...Die Zauberflote
Bizet...Carmen
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on July 11, 2010, 12:56:14 AM
Quote from: jhar26 on July 10, 2010, 09:36:22 AMRodrigo...Concerto de Aranjuez

While this is a great piece and his most popular, if I were to suggest a Rodrigo work for a classical newbie to listen to it would be his "Piano Concerto." This work's slow movement alone would definitely make the listener sit up and take notice.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: jhar26 on July 11, 2010, 02:43:47 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 11, 2010, 12:56:14 AM

While this is a great piece and his most popular, if I were to suggest a Rodrigo work for a classical newbie to listen to it would be his "Piano Concerto." This work's slow movement alone would definitely make the listener sit up and take notice.
I've never heard his piano concerto. BTW - nice to communicate with you again. It's been awhile.  ;)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on July 11, 2010, 02:59:28 PM
Quote from: jhar26 on July 11, 2010, 02:43:47 AM
I've never heard his piano concerto. BTW - nice to communicate with you again. It's been awhile.  ;)

It's a beautiful work that I think you would enjoy immensely, but the concerto's slow movement makes the whole work worthwhile.

It is great to communicate with you again too. It has been awhile. About how long has it been? A year or so?
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: jhar26 on July 11, 2010, 03:16:35 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 11, 2010, 02:59:28 PM
It's a beautiful work that I think you would enjoy immensely, but the concerto's slow movement makes the whole work worthwhile.

It is great to communicate with you again too. It has been awhile. About how long has it been? A year or so?
Yes, about a year I think. What recording of the Rodrigo piano concerto do you recommend?
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on July 11, 2010, 04:24:00 PM
Quote from: jhar26 on July 11, 2010, 03:16:35 PM
Yes, about a year I think. What recording of the Rodrigo piano concerto do you recommend?

This one:

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2003/Apr03/Rodrigo4_8557101.gif)

I actually recommend the entire Rodrigo orchestral series on Naxos. There are ten volumes in all. They are all excellent.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Saul on July 11, 2010, 04:40:45 PM
Mendelssohn - Midsummer's Overture

Bach - Toccada & Fugue in D minor

Vivaldi - 4 Seasons

Beethoven - 5th

Mozart - 40th

Handel - Water Music

Chopin - Nocture In E flat major

Brahms - Symphony No.3

Bizet - Carmen

Ravel - Bolero
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: mamascarlatti on July 11, 2010, 11:16:31 PM
Monteverdi – L'Incoronazione di Poppea
Handel – Giulio Cesare in Egitto
Mozart – Le Nozze di Figaro
Beethoven - Fidelio
Donizetti – L'Elisir D'Amore
Verdi – La Traviata
Bizet - Carmen
Wagner – Der Fliegende Hollander
Puccini – Tosca
Glass - Akhnaten
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: canninator on July 12, 2010, 02:24:57 AM
Quote from: k-k-k-kenny on June 18, 2010, 10:33:32 PM
To demonstrate that any instrument beyond piano is strictly unnecessary.....

Ditto for plucked strings

Modern Guitar
Agustin Barrios-La Catedral
Benjamin Britten-Nocturnal after John Dowland
Anotonio Ruiz-Pipo-Cancion y danza no.1
Carlo Domeniconi-Suite for Guitar

Vihuela
Alonso Mudarra-Fantasía Que Contrahaze La Harpa En La Manera De Ludovico
Luys de Narvaez-Siete Diferencias sobre Guardame las vacas

Lute
The French Baroque School
John Dowland-Fantasia DP72

Baroque guitar
Robert de Visee-Suite No.11 in B minor

Classical Period Guitar
Fernando Sor, Study in B minor Op35No22



Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: jhar26 on July 13, 2010, 11:51:06 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 11, 2010, 04:24:00 PM
This one:

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2003/Apr03/Rodrigo4_8557101.gif)

I actually recommend the entire Rodrigo orchestral series on Naxos. There are ten volumes in all. They are all excellent.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on July 13, 2010, 12:38:20 PM
Quote from: jhar26 on July 13, 2010, 11:51:06 AM
Thanks.

My pleasure.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: vandermolen on July 15, 2010, 04:16:55 AM
Tchaikovsky: Pathetique Symphony
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Bruckner: Symphony No 4
Beethoven: Symphony No 7
Rachmaninov: The Bells
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No 5
Sibelius: Tapiola
Copland: Symphony No 3
Bax: Tintagel
Hilding Rosenberg: Symphony 3
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich on July 16, 2010, 11:06:06 AM
Sibelius - Tapiola
Mahler - Sym. #2
Pettersson - Sym. #6
Elgar - Cello concerto
RVW - Tallis phantasia
Dvorak - Wood dove
Braga Santos - Sym. #4
Atterberg - Sym #3
Fauré - Requiem
Gade - Ossian overture
Bruckner - Sym #5

I admit I cannot count ;)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Brian on July 16, 2010, 08:38:12 PM
Quote from: Wurstwasser on July 16, 2010, 11:06:06 AM
Sibelius - Tapiola

"A great introduction for a beginner"?? You're cruel.  :D
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Daverz on July 16, 2010, 08:55:16 PM
Quote from: Wurstwasser on July 16, 2010, 11:06:06 AM
Sibelius - Tapiola
Mahler - Sym. #2
Pettersson - Sym. #6
Elgar - Cello concerto
RVW - Tallis phantasia
Dvorak - Wood dove
Braga Santos - Sym. #4
Atterberg - Sym #3
Fauré - Requiem
Gade - Ossian overture
Bruckner - Sym #5

I admit I cannot count ;)

Nice list.  Not sure I can agree with the Bruckner 5, though.  I think that one takes time and familiarity with Bruckner to appreciate.  I'd actually argue for the 1889 version of 3.  It's mature sounding Bruckner in its revised form, while being relatively short.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Daverz on July 16, 2010, 09:06:50 PM
Stravinsky: Petrouchka
Bartok: Piano Concerto 3
Brahms: Violin Concerto
Haydn: Op. 76, No. 3 "Emperor"
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night's Dream Overture
Elgar: Enigma Variations
Mussorgsky: Pictures
Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances
Prokofiev: Lt. Kije
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol

Not a balanced list, but that's hard with only 10 slots.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Teresa on July 16, 2010, 09:14:12 PM
Quote from: Daverz on July 16, 2010, 09:06:50 PM
Stravinsky: Petrouchka
Bartok: Piano Concerto 3
Brahms: Violin Concerto
Haydn: Op. 76, No. 3 "Emperor"
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night's Dream Overture
Elgar: Enigma Variations
Mussorgsky: Pictures
Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances
Prokofiev: Lt. Kije
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol

Not a balanced list, but that's hard with only 10 slots.
Great list!  Lots of easy to enjoy melodic music for first time listeners there.   :)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Daverz on July 16, 2010, 09:47:06 PM
Quote from: Teresa on July 16, 2010, 09:14:12 PM
Great list!  Lots of easy to enjoy melodic music for first time listeners there.   :)

Damn, I should have put some Xenakis on there. ;)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on July 20, 2010, 05:48:30 PM
I've got a new list (in no particular order):

1. Bax: Spring Fire
2. Martinu: Piano Concerto No. 4 "Incantation"
3. Nielsen: Symphony No. 2 "The Inextinguishable"
4. Piston: Symphony No. 2
5. R. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben
6. Dvorak: Cello Concerto
7. Vaughan Williams: Concerto for Two Pianos
8. Poulenc: Concerto for Two Pianos
9. Szymanowski: Symphony No. 4 "Sinfonia concertante"
10. Ireland: Piano Concerto
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Sid on July 20, 2010, 10:25:36 PM
1. Lutoslawski - Little Suite (orchestra)
2. Josquin des Prez - Motet "Inviolata, integra et casta es, Maria" (choir a capella)
3. Handel - Zadok the Priest (choir & orchestra)
4. Brahms - Tragic Overture
5. Boulez - Anthemes 2 (violin & electronics)
6. Carter - Mosaic (Harp & chamber ensemble)
7. Whitacre - Lux aurumque (choir a capella)
8. Kats-Chernin - Piano Concerto No. 2
9. Lauridsen - Chansons des Roses (choir & piano)
10. Schubert - Notturno (Piano Trio)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Tsaraslondon on July 20, 2010, 11:00:46 PM
Quote from: Sid on July 20, 2010, 10:25:36 PM
1. Lutoslawski - Little Suite (orchestra)
2. Josquin des Prez - Motet "Inviolata, integra et casta es, Maria" (choir a capella)
3. Handel - Zadok the Priest (choir & orchestra)
4. Brahms - Tragic Overture
5. Boulez - Anthemes 2 (violin & electronics)
6. Carter - Mosaic (Harp & chamber ensemble)
7. Whitacre - Lux aurumque (choir a capella)
8. Kats-Chernin - Piano Concerto No. 2
9. Lauridsen - Chansons des Roses (choir & piano)
10. Schubert - Notturno (Piano Trio)

For a newcomer to classical music?

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Sid on July 20, 2010, 11:07:35 PM
Quote from: Tsaraslondon on July 20, 2010, 11:00:46 PM
For a newcomer to classical music?

Well if the said newcomer is basically flexible, then these pieces should fit the bill. All of them are shorter than 25-30 minutes (the Josquin is less than 3 minutes!). I'd encourage any newcomer to branch out & not be afraid to explore all eras of classical, and all genres.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on July 21, 2010, 10:08:55 AM
Quote from: Sid on July 20, 2010, 11:07:35 PM
Well if the said newcomer is basically flexible, then these pieces should fit the bill. All of them are shorter than 25-30 minutes (the Josquin is less than 3 minutes!). I'd encourage any newcomer to branch out & not be afraid to explore all eras of classical, and all genres.

Sometimes, Sid, that is easier said than done.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on August 11, 2010, 06:25:00 PM
Quote from: toucan on August 11, 2010, 06:16:44 PM
Bach, opening Chorus of the Saint-John Passion
Mozart, the Terzettino from Cosi Fan Tutte ("Soave sia il Vento")
Beethoven, 12th String Quartet, op 127
Schubert, last piano sonata, D960
Brahms, Alto Rhapsody
Schumann, Quintet for piano and Strings
Mahler, Symphony #7
Debussy, la Cathedrale Engloutie
Schoenberg, Orchesterstucke op 16
Boulez, Notations for Orchestra

10! Didn't think that could be done. It can't

You really think that Schoenberg and Boulez would be great starters for a classical newbie?
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on August 11, 2010, 08:03:28 PM
Quote from: toucan on August 11, 2010, 07:04:41 PM
If college students can be introduced to Einstein and Joyce, they can be introduced to Schoenberg.
A serious student of music is goint to want to penetrate them, there is no point in waiting too long to take the plunge.

High standards = High Civilisation


Well I shouldn't be talking, because my "plunge" into classical music was Bartok, Ravel, Copland, and Ives.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Sid on August 11, 2010, 09:26:16 PM
Good list, but I'd say that one of Mahler's lighter symphonies, eg. No. 4, would be better for a newbie. I agree that people new to classical should explore right across the spectrum - from medieval music to today, from all around the world, from a capella, to chamber, solo piano, organ, chamber, opera highlights, electro-acoustic, etc.  People often forget that classical music is made up of much much more than just the famous orchestral works.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on August 11, 2010, 09:30:26 PM
Quote from: Sid on August 11, 2010, 09:26:16 PMPeople often forget that classical music is made up of much much more than just the famous orchestral works.

That's right it's also made up of the lesser-known orchestral works. :D
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich on December 27, 2010, 11:07:39 PM
Quote from: eyeresist on February 25, 2008, 06:09:02 PMNo Bruckner for the first few years!
After only knowing Beethoven 5 - I started with Bruckner. Worked.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: TheGSMoeller on February 16, 2012, 09:09:21 AM
Dowland: Lachrimae
Tallis: Spem in alium
Rameau: Les Cyclops
Biber: The Rosary Sonatas
Haydn: Symphony #80
Berlioz: Requiem
Strauss: duett Concertino for clarinet & bassoon
Prokofiev: Symphony #7
Glass: Koyaanisqatsi
Lang: The Little Match Girl Passion




In chronological order,
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on February 16, 2012, 10:13:27 PM
I've forgotten about this thread:

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 11 "The Year 1905"
Prokofiev: Sinfonia Concertante
Bartok: The Miraculous Mandarin
Ravel: Piano Concerto for the left-hand
Debussy: Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5
Villa-Lobos: Choros No. 6
Janacek: Glagolitic Mass
Ginastera: Estancia
Lyadov: Village Scene by the Inn
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Christo on February 16, 2012, 10:35:49 PM
Okay, at random:  ;D

Bach, Matthäus Passion
Beethoven, Eroica
Pierné, Divertissements sur un thème pastoral
Stravinsky, Le Sacre du Printemps
Vaughan Williams, Symphony No. 6
Respighi,    Lauda per la Nativitá del Signore
Holmboe, Symphony No. 8
Ginastera, Variaciones concertantes
Braga Santos, Symphony No. 3
Tormis, Unustatud rahvad
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: vandermolen on February 17, 2012, 12:46:40 AM
Also at random  :)


Rimsky Korsakov: Scheherazade
Braga Santos: Symphony 4
Rachmaninov: The Bells
Walton: Symphony 1
Bruckner: Symphony 5
Respighi: Church Windows
Bloch: String Quartet No. 1
Sibelius: Tapiola
Hamilton Harty: Piano Concerto
Patrick Hadley: 'The Trees so High'
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Xenophanes on February 17, 2012, 11:30:42 AM
So many excellent suggestions. These are mostly pieces I liked when much younger--and still do, of course, though not always to the same extent.

Deems Taylor, Through the Looking Glass

Mussorgsky-Ravel, Pictures at an Exhibition

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto, No. 3

Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5

Rossini, Overtures (the most popular ones)

Brahms, Clarinet Quintet

Mozart, Requiem

Dvorak, Symphony No. 9

Debussy, La mer

Ippolitov-Ivanov, Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1, Op. 10
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: mszczuj on February 17, 2012, 01:36:36 PM
For beginner? It means for somebody who was listening to jazz, rock or world music so far. For somebody who collected Coltrane, Davis, Steely Dan, Captain Beefheart, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or even Kazakh singers of epic poetry recorded in 1950-es. This beginner is somebody who needs really intense music to be interested, isn't he?

So intensity is the key:

Handel - Messiah (Hogwood)
Bach - Goldberg Variations (Hantai 1st recording)
Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 27 (Immerseel)
Haydn - Symphony No. 103 (don't know, some HIP for sure, but have no possibility to study so far)
Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 (Goodman or Kletzki)
Schubert - String Quintet (don't know probably Festetics or L'Archibudelli)
Chopin - 24 Preludes Op.28 (it is one work!) - (Probably there is no fine recording, because in The Real Chopin series they are played on Erard which I find almost as useless as castrating them on Steinway. But I have heard Piet van Kuijken playing a half of them on perfectly sounding Pleyel - what a magic experience!)
Brahms - Violin Concerto (Heifetz, Reiner)
Bruckner - Symphony No. 7 (Jochum Staatskapelle Dresden)
Richard Strauss - Im Abendroth (or 4 last songs if allowed) - Jessye Norman, Masur

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: vandermolen on February 18, 2012, 02:23:55 AM
Nice to see Ippolitov-Ivanov making an appearance. A thumbs up from me too for the Caucasian Sketches (1 and 2).
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: mszczuj on February 18, 2012, 10:55:48 AM
Quote from: mszczuj on February 17, 2012, 01:36:36 PM
Handel - Messiah
Bach - Goldberg Variations
Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 27
Haydn - Symphony No. 103
Beethoven - Symphony No. 9
Schubert - String Quintet
Chopin - 24 Preludes Op.28 (it is one work!)
Brahms - Violin Concerto
Bruckner - Symphony No. 7
Richard Strauss - Im Abendroth

But there must be the second set at once then because there is no posibility to omit Mahler and Prokofiev at their best,

Perotinus - Viderunt omnes
Ockeghem - Missa Prolationum
Liszt - Piano Sonata
Wagner - Tristan und Isolde
Tchaikovsky - Piano Trio (Naxos)
Dvorak - Cello Concerto
Mahler - Symphony No.9
Stravinsky - The Rite of the Spring
Bartok - String Quartet No.5
Prokofiev - Violin Sonata No.1 (Oistrakh, Richter)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: vandermolen on February 19, 2012, 09:40:28 AM
Set No 2!

Vaughan Willliams: Symphony No 6
Moeran: Symphony
Shostakovich: Symphony 10
Nielsen: Symphony 5
Sibelius: Symphony 2
Copland: Symphony 3
Popov: Symphony 1
Rosenberg: Symphony 3
Lilburn: Symphony 1
Mahler: Symphony 6
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Lisztianwagner on February 19, 2012, 01:08:02 PM
Wagner The Ride of the Valkyries
Beethoven Symphony No.9
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Mahler Symphony No.6
Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4
Mozart Symphony No.40
Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet
Haydn "Farewell" Symphony
Brahms Symphony No.1
Bach Well-Tempered Clavier
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: mszczuj on February 19, 2012, 04:28:19 PM
Quote from: mszczuj on February 18, 2012, 10:55:48 AM

Top10:

Handel - Messiah
Bach - Goldberg Variations
Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 27
Haydn - Symphony No. 103
Beethoven - Symphony No. 9
Schubert - String Quintet
Chopin - 24 Preludes Op.28 (it is one work!)
Brahms - Violin Concerto
Bruckner - Symphony No. 7
Richard Strauss - Im Abendroth

Top20 but not Top10:

Perotinus - Viderunt omnes
Ockeghem - Missa Prolationum
Liszt - Piano Sonata
Wagner - Tristan und Isolde
Tchaikovsky - Piano Trio (Naxos)
Dvorak - Cello Concerto
Mahler - Symphony No.9
Stravinsky - The Rite of the Spring
Bartok - String Quartet No.5
Prokofiev - Violin Sonata No.1 (Oistrakh, Richter)

But it is impossible to make such list without my favorite baroque piece, most ecstatic work ever, one of Psalm of Davids of Schütz, so I must propose next set.

Josquin - Missa Pangue lingua
Monteverdi - Gira il nemico insidioso
Schütz - Danket dem Herrn SV 45 (Regensburger Domspatzen)
Mendelssohn - Midsummer Night's Dream overture
Schumann - Kreisleriana
Rachmaninov -  Piano Concerto No. 2
Debussy - Sonata for flute, viola and harp
Ravel - Le tombeau de Couperin for orchestra
Faure - String Quartet
Sibelius - Tapiola
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: UB on February 20, 2012, 06:11:34 AM
Bach - English Suites - How can anyone not like these wonderful pieces.

Mozart - Piano Concerto #25 - Not sure anyone wrote a better piano concerto for most of the 19th century.

Beethoven - The late Piano Sonatas - When I want a break from my living composer listening I often go back to these.

Mendelssohn - Symphony #4 - The Italian Symphony - Just a lot of fun

Nielsen - Clarinet Concerto - An amazing and beautiful work - way ahead of it's time.

Tchaikovsky - Symphony #2 original version - Too bad he decided to change the original  so it was more acceptable and never went back to where he was going with the original version.

Stravinsky - Rite of Spring - Probably the most important piece of music of the 20th century.

Webern - Op 5. Five Movements for string quartet - I feel that this might be the best 10 minutes of music ever written. I have been listening to it for years and still find new things to admire.

Simpson - Symphony #6 - I really prefer #9 but #6 is probably a better piece for some one just starting to explore classical music

Glass - Desert Music - The first hearing of this piece changed my listening selections for ever. It sounds dated to me now but

Bonus: Van Cliburn's recording of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto #3. The recording that got me interested in Classical Music some 55 years ago.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: nico1616 on February 27, 2012, 01:05:48 PM
Great topic!

My 10 to start with:

Beethoven: violin concerto
Grieg: piano concerto
Tchaikovsky: symphony #4
Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro
Janacek: Sinfonietta
Handel: Water music
Schubert: Moments Musicaux
Sibelius: symphony #2
Brahms: clarinet quintet
Verdi: Rigoletto

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: TheGSMoeller on February 27, 2012, 01:19:01 PM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on February 16, 2012, 09:09:21 AM
Dowland: Lachrimae
Tallis: Spem in alium
Rameau: Les Cyclops
Biber: The Rosary Sonatas
Haydn: Symphony #80
Berlioz: Requiem
Strauss: duett Concertino for clarinet & bassoon
Prokofiev: Symphony #7
Glass: Koyaanisqatsi
Lang: The Little Match Girl Passion



In chronological order,

Had to make an adjustment on my list, being a fan of all eras I really wanted to represent them all, but my appreciation for the music of Heinrich Ignaz Biber continues to grow and have come to acknowledge his important contribution to the Baroque era and music in general...long story short, he replaced Vivaldi  ;D
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on February 27, 2012, 07:08:41 PM
Quote from: nico1616 on February 27, 2012, 01:05:48 PMJanacek: Sinfonietta

Great choice! One of my favorites. Have you heard Taras Bulba?
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: nico1616 on February 27, 2012, 10:52:25 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 27, 2012, 07:08:41 PM
Great choice! One of my favorites. Have you heard Taras Bulba?

Yes I have, but never live. Both are coupled on my Mackerras recording.

I will always remember how Gardiner's Sinfonietta (with some British youth orchestra) filled the concert hall.
And how the violins and brass made such a perfect blend, the typical 'Janacek sound'!
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on February 28, 2012, 06:31:36 PM
Quote from: nico1616 on February 27, 2012, 10:52:25 PM
Yes I have, but never live. Both are coupled on my Mackerras recording.

I will always remember how Gardiner's Sinfonietta (with some British youth orchestra) filled the concert hall.
And how the violins and brass made such a perfect blend, the typical 'Janacek sound'!

Gardiner? Janacek? Sounds interesting. One of absolute favorite Janacek works is Glagolitic Mass, but I have only found one performance which really resonated with of this work and it's with MTT/LSO.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: fridden on February 28, 2012, 10:19:52 PM
Quote from: hornteacher on January 29, 2008, 03:22:36 AM
In an effort to create a better starter list for beginners, come up with a list of ten composers and ONE selection for each composer that would be a great introduction for a beginner.


This would be my suggestion for a beginner:

Bach - Goldberg variations
Haydn - Trumpet Concerto
Mozart - Piano Concerto No.21
Beethoven - Symphony No.5 (or the Violin concerto)
Brahms - Academic Festival Overture
Tchaikovsky - Romeo & Juliet
Mussorgsky - Pictures at an exhibition (orch Ravel)
Dvorak - Symphony No.9
Debussy - Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
Sibelius - Finlandia

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: nico1616 on February 29, 2012, 01:09:05 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 28, 2012, 06:31:36 PM
Gardiner? Janacek? Sounds interesting. One of absolute favorite Janacek works is Glagolitic Mass, but I have only found one performance which really resonated with of this work and it's with MTT/LSO.

As for the Glagolitic Mass, it is on my shelf (Kubelik on DG), but remains unlistened to until this day. With the exception of Handel oratorios (which are mostly very operatic), I am not really into choral works, but I should give that work a new try. After all, it is Janacek, creator of Jenufa, Kat'a Kabanova and Sinfonietta, three absolute wonders  :)

Nico
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Mirror Image on February 29, 2012, 08:11:35 AM
Quote from: nico1616 on February 29, 2012, 01:09:05 AM
As for the Glagolitic Mass, it is on my shelf (Kubelik on DG), but remains unlistened to until this day. With the exception of Handel oratorios (which are mostly very operatic), I am not really into choral works, but I should give that work a new try. After all, it is Janacek, creator of Jenufa, Kat'a Kabanova and Sinfonietta, three absolute wonders  :)

Nico

You should definitely give it a try. I think you'll be impressed with it. The orchestral accompiment plays a big role in this work too.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Christo on March 04, 2012, 12:57:42 AM
After all, this type of thread is just a nerds' substitute for gaming.  8)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: UB on March 04, 2012, 04:43:10 AM
Quote from: Christo on March 04, 2012, 12:57:42 AM
After all, this type of thread is just a nerds' substitute for gaming.  8)

I agree and also disagree with you about 'list' threads. For the most part they are just a way to show your knowledge of composers, recordings, etc. However I think they can also be valuable to those who are either starting to explore or expanding their exploration of classical music. At least that is how it worked for me when I was expanding my experiences.

I posted after spending a decent amount of time thinking about what 10 composers and their pieces would I recommend to someone just starting out in classical music. I found that to keep somewhat within the perimeters of the thread I had to keep adjusting the list and making some hard choices.  I did not choose just my current favorite listening...I hardly ever listen to classical or romantic period music...but composers and pieces that would give a novice an idea of what is available so that they could decide what period and style they enjoyed the most and the least. I also tried to give a short explanation of why I chose the composers and the piece(s).

All in all I found it an interesting exercise and I must say I was surprised at the list I ended up sharing. Hopefully it will actually be used for the purpose the thread was created for but if not it does not matter because I enjoyed the experience.

Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Scion7 on March 08, 2012, 02:01:41 AM
SHOSTAKOVICH-Murzilka for piano
SALIERI-"Axur re d'Ormus"
MAHLER-piano quartet
BEETHOVEN-Birthday Cantata for Prince Lobkowitz
WAGNER-"Wedding March" on string quartet
STRAVINSKY-The Faun and the Shepherdess
HAYDN-Der krumme Teufel
TCHAIKOVSKY-Chorus of Flowers and Insects in D
MOZART-Flute Sonata K.14
BARTOK-Mikrokosmos No.1

Stands back and glares defiantly at the other posters.  >:(
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: canninator on March 08, 2012, 03:11:31 AM
Quote from: Scion7 on March 08, 2012, 02:01:41 AM

BARTOK-Mikrokosmos No.1

Stands back and glares defiantly at the other posters.  >:(

Do you mean Volume 1 or actually number 1?
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Scion7 on March 08, 2012, 04:27:00 AM
No.1 - in keeping with the rest of my list.  :P
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: mszczuj on March 08, 2012, 07:37:09 AM
Quote from: Scion7 on March 08, 2012, 02:01:41 AM
Stands back and glares defiantly at the other posters.  >:(

What about BWV 524?
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Scion7 on March 08, 2012, 08:54:12 AM
I've never heard that - does it qualify for inclusion in my 'most sketchy immature' list?  :)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: mszczuj on March 08, 2012, 11:38:27 PM
It is WTF rather than WTK.

http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Articles/BWV524Quodlibet%5BBraatz%5D.htm
Title: Re: 20 Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: Wanderer on March 09, 2012, 01:36:07 AM
Let's give this a try; 20 composers, or 2 sets of 10 if you prefer:

Beethoven: Symphony No.3 "Eroica"
Brahms: Symphony No.1
Bruckner: Symphony No.3
Sibelius: Symphony No.7
Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique
Ravel: Piano Concerto in D major (for the left hand)
Schumann: Introduction & Allegro appassionato
Schubert: Symphony No.8 "Unvollendete"
Janáček: Taras Bulba
Medtner: Piano Concerto No.1
Alkan: Douze Études dans tous les tons mineurs, op.39
Liszt: Piano Sonata in B minor
Korngold: Cello Concerto
Mahler: Symphony No.2 "Auferstehung"
Mozart: Symphony No.38 "Prager"
R. Strauss: Don Quixote
Dvořák: Piano Concerto
Debussy: La mer
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.4
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: sheffmark on April 07, 2012, 10:36:13 AM

Threads like this are essential to me and all other newcomers to classical music.
Opinions of different members will always differ but newcomers can gain the gist of things easily.
Certain pieces of music crop up more than others so newcomers can sample those first before delving into more and more obscure pieces later.
I never realised how vast classical music would be when i dipped my toe into it's oceon, but this forum,it's helpful and knowledgable members and threads like this are invaluable to members like me.
Many thanks to everyone! ;)
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: TheGSMoeller on April 07, 2012, 10:56:04 AM
Quote from: sheffmark on April 07, 2012, 10:36:13 AM
Threads like this are essential to me and all other newcomers to classical music.
Opinions of different members will always differ but newcomers can gain the gist of things easily.
Certain pieces of music crop up more than others so newcomers can sample those first before delving into more and more obscure pieces later.
I never realised how vast classical music would be when i dipped my toe into it's oceon, but this forum,it's helpful and knowledgable members and threads like this are invaluable to members like me.
Many thanks to everyone! ;)

I've been listening to classical music for several decades now and threads similar to this are still most welcome and helpful to me so I share your thoughts. I keep feeling the need to start a "favorite pieces" thread for the users here, but there are so many.
Title: Re: Ten Composers.......one piece each.
Post by: sheffmark on April 07, 2012, 11:03:36 AM
Thanks for replying TheGSMoeller!
There is so much to hear i suppose you could go a whole lifetime and never hear all of it! ???
It is a great learning curve though! ;D