I am a 63 year old novice

[mc ukrneal]

As I am more likely to stray into the avant garde than the romantic period, I have felt the disapproval already on other boards.

Ignore them. Seriously, stray wherever the muse takes you. The journey is everything...

[Cato]

As I am more likely to stray into the avant garde than the romantic period, I have felt the disapproval already on other boards.

To this end, I am taking an online course, How To Listen To and Understand Great Music. It's difficult because I must, in essence, lean a new language.

Ignore them.   Seriously, stray wherever the muse takes you. The journey is everything...

Amen!

Alexander Tcherepnin advised his students that they "must listen to more music" if they find themselves befuddled by a certain style.

To that end:

https://www.youtube.com/v/3-s52cSAZrk

[Pat B]

and yes, I understand Mr Glass is atypical in a very conservative and opinionated environment.

As I am more likely to stray into the avant garde than the romantic period, I have felt the disapproval already on other boards.

Yes, but the avant-garde folks don't necessarily like him either! Whereas, say, Reich seems to receive a more consistent level of respect.

Of course Glass has many fans too, and among the younger generation he may even be considered part of the canon. Perhaps my comments are outdated.

Anyway, like ukrneal said, and maybe you know already: don't worry about approval.

[Mirror Image]

I'm slightly younger than you - off the top of my head here are a few recommendations.

Vaughan Williams: Symphony 5

Copland: Symphony 3

Gorecki: Symphony 3 'Sorrowful Songs'

Hope you find something you like and welcome to this forum.

All fine recommendations, too, Jeffrey.

[eljr]

Welcome to GMG!

Allow me to second Rinaldo's recommendations..



https://www.youtube.com/v/e6tJWY2Vaz4

wonderful, thanks!

[ComposerOfAvantGarde]

Yes, I am trying to learn and understand as I trudge along.

and yes, I understand Mr Glass is atypical in a very conservative and opinionated environment.

As I am more likely to stray into the avant garde than the romantic period, I have felt the disapproval already on other boards.

To this end, I am taking an online course, How To Listen To and Understand Great Music. It's difficult because I must, in essence, lean a new language.

For decades classical was classical to me. I now insist on understanding the period a piece is from and how it evolved and then morphed. It really can give a newbie a headache.   

If you're more likely to stray into the avant-garde, don't forget about the music being composed right now! Labels like Kairos and Neos have released some excellent recordings if you haven't explored them already.

[vandermolen]

All fine recommendations, too, Jeffrey.