As someone fairly new to classical music who can be easily embarrassed by my ignorance, I'm wondering whether any of you seasoned listeners could provide a list of a dozen classical pieces that everyone is 'expected' to know?
All help is gratefully received. Thank you.
Not necessarily the ones I think are the best, but certainly among the best-known. Usually it's an excerpt or two from these that's really the "hit," but they're all better in full.
Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmHTJv5pjYo)
Handel: Messiah (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCqOTpD9yto)
Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4xBJJqAweY)
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C# minor "Moonlight" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj75TeQmSHA)
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night's Dream Overture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0gHTNJVFtA)
Schumann: Kinderszenen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiMFICjD5Hg)
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in E minor "From the New World" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HClX2s8A9IE)
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDhq70yrtiI)
Debussy: Suite Bergamasque (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVYU99NjwYI)
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwcUSshWhlw)
Ravel: Bolero (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_AjezOSKdk)
Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfM7Y9Pcdzw)
Delighted to help!
Mozart, Ave verum corpus, K.618
http://www.youtube.com/v/HXjn6srhAlY
JS Bach, Passacaglia & Fugue in c minor, BWV 582
http://www.youtube.com/v/HtFMxFQrKc4
Chopin, Prelude in e minor, Op.28 № 4
http://www.youtube.com/v/KHGHhYZCIQI
Beethoven, Symphony № 6 in F, Op.68, "Pastorale"
http://www.youtube.com/v/t2VY33VXnrQ
Vivaldi, Violin Concerto in E, "Spring" (from The Four Seasons)
http://www.youtube.com/v/RnwuF-MCRuo
Saint-Saëns, Danse macabre, Op.40
http://www.youtube.com/v/Qz7elksiFb4
Prokofiev, Symphony № 1 in D, Op.25, "Classical"
http://www.youtube.com/v/WLT55kPIFCo
Ives, The Unanswered Question
http://www.youtube.com/v/kkaOz48cq2g
Schubert, "Der Leiermann" (from Die Winterreise)
http://www.youtube.com/v/pze4NxCOjg0
Handel, Hornpipe (from Water Music)
http://www.youtube.com/v/6fa2wZEsRWM
Thank you, both - your replies are very helpful indeed.
Let us know what you like, and what you like less . . . there are always more suggestions to be made ;)
Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (there are also numerous orchestrations, most famously the one by Ravel)
Below are two recordings of the work, by Mikhail Pletnev and Leif-Ove Andsnes.
https://www.youtube.com/v/kxg2R0Pqb3c
Excellent add, Karlo!
I'm ashamed to have forgotten Pictures. I did vacillate about adding The Four Seasons or not...figured there was plenty more without it. Now I've revealed my bias and will shut up.
There's nothing wrong with getting to know the warhorses and the the popular hits, so I wish you happy listening, Rosalba.
That all comes under 'expected to know,' I think. That said, I did not post any music to which I am not perfectly happy to listen, myself.
Bach badinerie from orchestra suite no 2 2:20 of pure happiness
https://www.youtube.com/v/3jYxMlPm-_Y
Charles Gounod, Ave Maria
https://www.youtube.com/v/SMvldwLqe2U
I must say I wouldn't have thought of naming Passacaglia & Fugue in c minor, BWV 582 before Toccata & Fugue in d minor, BWV 565 - the former is clearly the (even) better piece, granted, but the latter is surely far more well-known.
Liszt: La campanella (Grandes études de Paganini, S. 141, No. 3)
https://www.youtube.com/v/-hCNkp97I30
Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries (an excerpt from the Ring cycle) [I resisted the temptation to post the Looney Tunes version..]
https://www.youtube.com/v/V92OBNsQgxU
And Sarasate's Fantasy is a handy way to hear the greatest hits from Bizet's Carmen.
https://www.youtube.com/v/iwo-vKPR4Lo
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 19, 2017, 08:29:41 AM
Let us know what you like, and what you like less . . . there are always more suggestions to be made ;)
I like the music of the eighteenth century - or anything with a strong or interesting rhythm.
Thanks for asking. And thanks again for your samples - I've started on them today, and so far, very nice indeed!
Quote from: Mahlerian on August 19, 2017, 08:38:18 AM
I'm ashamed to have forgotten Pictures. I did vacillate about adding The Four Seasons or not...figured there was plenty more without it. Now I've revealed my bias and will shut up.
There's nothing wrong with getting to know the warhorses and the the popular hits, so I wish you happy listening, Rosalba.
Thank you - I shall look up your suggestions, I know I shall enjoy myself.
Quote from: Spineur on August 19, 2017, 08:44:56 AM
Bach badinerie from orchestra suite no 2 2:20 of pure happiness
Thank you, Spineur.
Quote from: North Star on August 19, 2017, 08:58:27 AM
I must say I wouldn't have thought of naming Passacaglia & Fugue in c minor, BWV 582 before Toccata & Fugue in d minor, BWV 565 - the former is clearly the (even) better piece, granted, but the latter is surely far more well-known...
Thank you for your examples, North Star - I am looking forward to listening to them.
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on August 20, 2017, 12:34:17 AM
What about modernism? have you heard any of that? 8)
Not much. Bits and pieces - always pleased to try things, so please suggest any works that I should know. Thank you.
Ah, Yorkshire, home of Northern Monk. Excellent!
Slightly more tangential suggestions:
As a seasoned ignoramus, I found the book Classical Music by Jan Swafford to be useful to "get my bearings."
Put Radio 3 on, just as background music (sacrilege!).
Nothing is required or expected. I admit I've got stuff by the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, but my very favourite music is often by composers I hadn't even heard a note of just a few years ago (or even heard of).
Enjoy the journey. 👍😃
Quote from: nodogen on August 20, 2017, 01:17:51 AM
Ah, Yorkshire, home of Northern Monk. Excellent!
Slightly more tangential suggestions:
As a seasoned ignoramus, I found the book Classical Music by Jan Swafford to be useful to "get my bearings."
Put Radio 3 on, just as background music (sacrilege!).
Nothing is required or expected. I admit I've got stuff by the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, but my very favourite music is often by composers I hadn't even heard a note of just a few years ago (or even heard of).
Enjoy the journey. 👍😃
You're being given pearls here 8)
Truly, two keys to the wonder of classical music are: the literature is mind-bogglingly rich (breadth and depth), and to enjoy it is purely elective.
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on August 20, 2017, 12:51:51 AM
Off the top of my head, these are essential works that haven't been mentioned yet:
Webern - Symphony op 21
Bartok - Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta
Stravinsky - Agon
Varese - Ameriques
Stockhausen - Gruppen
Xenakis - Jonchaies
Ligeti - Atmospheres
Penderecki - Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima
Hope you enjoy them, it provides a great contrast to many of the examples cited thus far too 8)
Thank you! I'm a methodical soul, so I'm working down the list, but I'm looking forward to listening to your suggestions, and appreciating the contrast.
Quote from: nodogen on August 20, 2017, 01:17:51 AM
Ah, Yorkshire, home of Northern Monk. Excellent!
Slightly more tangential suggestions:
As a seasoned ignoramus, I found the book Classical Music by Jan Swafford to be useful to "get my bearings."
Put Radio 3 on, just as background music (sacrilege!).
Nothing is required or expected. I admit I've got stuff by the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, but my very favourite music is often by composers I hadn't even heard a note of just a few years ago (or even heard of).
Enjoy the journey. 👍😃
Thank you - I've googled the Swafford book and it looks good. I will definitely read it.
Quote from: Rosalba on August 20, 2017, 12:22:31 AM
I like the music of the eighteenth century - or anything with a strong or interesting rhythm.
Some suggestions to get you started:
Haydn: Piano Concerto No. 11 in D, Hob. XVIII:11
Mozart: Symphony No. 38 "Prager"
Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5
Schubert: Symphony No. 9
Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique
Schumann: Piano Concerto
Brahms: Symphony No. 1
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 (and No. 2)
Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, op. 39
Dvořák: Symphony No. 8
Nielsen: Symphony No. 3
Medtner: Piano Concerto No. 1
Ravel: Piano Concertos (both of them)
Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 (and Totentanz)
Stravinsky: Three Movements from Petrouchka
Walton: Belshazzar's Feast
Quote from: Wanderer on August 20, 2017, 01:07:45 PM
Some suggestions to get you started:
Haydn: Piano Concerto No. 11 in D, Hob. XVIII:11
Mozart: Symphony No. 38 "Prager"
Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5
Schubert: Symphony No. 9
Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique
Schumann: Piano Concerto
Brahms: Symphony No. 1
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 (and No. 2)
Alkan: 12 Études dans tous les tons mineurs, op. 39
Dvořák: Symphony No. 8
Nielsen: Symphony No. 3
Medtner: Piano Concerto No. 1
Ravel: Piano Concertos (both of them)
Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 (and Totentanz)
Stravinsky: Three Movements from Petrouchka
Walton: Belshazzar's Feast
Thank you, Wanderer. The list looks very interesting - I hadn't even heard of Alkan and Medtner!!!
Hi, I'm an old man who likes late Romantic music and early-twentieth century "modernism" ( ca 1910 -1950). I'm interested in lesser known composers.
Possibly you may enjoy:
Ottorino Respighi:
Antiche danze ed arie - https://youtu.be/3BPloCq3ODE
""Ancient Airs and Dances is a set of three orchestral suites by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, freely transcribed from original pieces for lute. Very sweet and harmonious.
His violinconcerto "Concerto gregoriano" is a gem : https://youtu.be/bB5KRHTPTjA
However, Respighi can make a large orchestra glitter & shine : symphonic poems Fontane di Roma, I pini di Roma, Feste romane, Vetrate di chiesa, Impressione Braziliane. Some of the movements are delicate and impressionistic, others develop into loud, verry brassy and extatic climaxes.
From Feste romane: https://youtu.be/DKdfZLgiWJ0
British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote some truly wonderful music. Try:
The lark ascending: https://youtu.be/ZR2JlDnT2l8
Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis : https://youtu.be/GpwqZSp_CyM (performed and filmed in Gloucester cathedral!).
5 Mystical songs: https://youtu.be/6Wtus11fFJw
RVW'w output is large and diverse: 8 symphonies, cantatas, choral works and superb chamber music.
My favorite is symphony nr. 3 "Pastoral ": https://youtu.be/bAi65Fmbn0A
Claude Debussy: one of the great masters.
Danse sacrée et danse profane for harp and strings: https://youtu.be/G3UGewCinYw
Children's corner for piano: https://youtu.be/KVIYYQXNcVU
Iberia, for orchestra: https://youtu.be/Tg1w75c8Vc0
My compatriot Joseph Jongen is definitely lesser known, but he wrote often some quite elegant and refined music...albeit heavily influenced by Debussy.
Pièces en trio: https://youtu.be/sZBxAX8QCCk
Arthur Meulemans is a name you're unlikely to see on international concert programs ... He was an extremely prolific composer (15 symphonies, all kinds of concerti, stringquartets, choral works, Lieder, oratoria and cantatas...). Not all of his output is of the highest order, but as a youth (1910) he already knew how to write for orchestra:
Maynight: https://youtu.be/IDfyBQSeav0
Looking forward to your comments.
Peter
^^^^ Thank you, Peter. I am working my way through the suggestions and enjoying myself very much. It will take me some time to get on to your list - which looks fab, btw - but when I do, I will post again to tell you what I thought of each piece. :)
Take your time!
P.
All right then: my "second wave," all 18th century.
JS Bach, Chaconne from the Partita in d minor for violin solo, BWV 1004
http://www.youtube.com/v/DBJPVnJ8m-Y
JS Bach, Brandenburg Concerto № 4 in G, BWV 1049
http://www.youtube.com/v/G6hQvvhqfJo
Haydn, Concerto for Trumpet in Eb
http://www.youtube.com/v/kCX_UXoHwyA
Haydn, String Quartet in d minor, Op.76 № 2
http://www.youtube.com/v/yXLbPL0lnus
Mozart, Symphony № 40 in g minor, K. 550 (Ah, I see Mahlerian listed this already!)
http://www.youtube.com/v/wqkXqpQMk2k
Mozart, Piano Concerto № 21 in C, K. 467
http://www.youtube.com/v/i2uYb6bMKyI
Mozart, Clarinet Quintet in A, K. 581
http://www.youtube.com/v/_8fX1LmqG8s
Beethoven, Piano Sonata № 8 in c minor, Op.13, "Pathétique" (Most of the must-know Beethoven dates from the 19th century, of course; but this celebrated Sonata fits under the wire.)
http://www.youtube.com/v/qO8yfBLNVjU
François Couperin, Ordre 21ème de clavecin in E minor
http://www.youtube.com/v/uoYS-Ma6OHM
Zelenka, Missa votiva ZWV 18
http://www.youtube.com/v/RCL2CWQaH4A
Domenico Scarlatti, Sonata in d minor, K. 9
http://www.youtube.com/v/OwgxZ9Hf9kM
Gluck, Iphigénie en Tauride
http://www.youtube.com/v/q9wcmljqlKM
Kark certainly knows his classics. I endorse completely his choices ! One cannot stress enough the importance of Bach Chaconne for solo violin as it inspired a number of famous composer through the 19th and 20th century to write their own transcription for the piano. The most famous one is Busoni's which you can compare to the original here
https://www.youtube.com/v/kFCpFg6mjc4
The most famous melodie that Gluck wrote is from Orphée et Euridice, which did inspire a number of composers to write their own transcription. Here is the one that Giovanni Sgambati wrote which capture fantastically well the beauty of this piece
https://www.youtube.com/v/q9FScP9GqlQ
Monteverdi - Zefiro torna
https://www.youtube.com/v/e6tJWY2Vaz4
Pergolesi - Stabat Mater
https://www.youtube.com/v/9a5wF5e7QiE
Rameau - Suite in G major
https://www.youtube.com/v/RAMX6ofEHtw
Biber - Violin Sonata No. 3 in F major
https://www.youtube.com/v/Dl9371sYxXo
Corelli - Violin Sonata Op. 5 No. 12
https://www.youtube.com/v/wiZjALaEb1M
Beethoven - Sonata for Violin & Piano No. 9
https://www.youtube.com/v/mUWcyDEvsYA
Rakhmaninov - Corelli Variations (the theme isn't actually by Corelli - La Follia is a much older tune and a popular choice for o
https://www.youtube.com/v/vZTSzvcW9q8
Albéniz - Iberia
https://www.youtube.com/v/ShXNe4kc6M8
Ravel - Tombeau de Couperin
https://www.youtube.com/v/Wz165MCij6c
Sibelius - The Tempest (highlights)
https://www.youtube.com/v/D4EsO47POQw
Bartók - Dance Suite
https://www.youtube.com/v/IBwmZSKaI0o
Pärt - Fratres
https://www.youtube.com/v/RNVoZVFpW58
Thumbs up, Spineur & Karlo!
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 21, 2017, 10:46:41 AM
Thumbs up, Spineur & Karlo!
Rosalba is getting spoiled ! I have to say that youtube is a fantastic library, but boy, is the sound awfull.
Quote from: Spineur on August 21, 2017, 10:58:32 AM
Rosalba is getting spoiled ! I have to say that youtube is a fantastic library, but boy, is the sound awfull.
Even at best, rather a distance from ideal 8)
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Don't forget Tsjaikovsky.
https://www.youtube.com/v/rIGyCuZ9V-w
Quote from: Spineur on August 21, 2017, 10:58:32 AM
Rosalba is getting spoiled !...
I certainly am. Wow! - Thanks, Karl, Spineur & North Star - also Peter. You are very kind.
This should keep me busy for quite a while...
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 21, 2017, 11:26:33 AM
Even at best, rather a distance from ideal 8)
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
True, no doubt, but I'm not enough of a connoisseur (or not yet! :) ) for this to matter too much...
Very grateful to YouTube as it really is a short cut - and if I like something, I can always buy a cd (and ask you all for recommendations.)
Thanks, everyone.
True in both considerations: YouTube is a wonderful initial reference resource, but . . . less than adequate as a musical experience.
These are all "very well known" works from the last century.
Be not afraid. I imagine you might well enjoy them ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/v/kt5Eq317bX8
This for Petrushka but the later neoclassical style ballet, Orpheus, though in a very different style, is, imo, quite beautiful
https://www.youtube.com/v/cv-BOJLQMlc
A large-scale work for Chorus and large orchestra...
https://www.youtube.com/v/3wyftO6flX4
https://www.youtube.com/v/Ti_jRkf6NYA
https://www.youtube.com/v/bETU-8qa_g0
https://www.youtube.com/v/yRQw85LdRbI
Wishing you the most happy and many adventurous musical explorations...
Best regards.
Thank you, Monsieur Croche. :)
Quote from: Rosalba on August 22, 2017, 07:36:08 AM
Thank you, Monsieur Croche. :)
You are welcome... I am sure that goes as well for all who have recommended pieces to you.
I recommend making a playlist of them all and then listening at your leisure.
If something does not strike you as interesting, keep it, but move on to something else.
There is always going back to any one piece later, and listening, casual or with full concentrated attention, either way, takes
time.I think you've already seen that if you have a particular interest or taste of the moment, that asking more about that piece, period or composer here will yield a number of well-directed responses.
Already you can see the variety of what people favor, tend to think of to recommend. This site has a great,
knowledgeable, friendly -- and 'mostly harmless' -- membership. Enjoy the music, and your newfound GMG colleagues.
Best regards.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 19, 2017, 08:01:07 AM
Delighted to help!...
[/flash]
Thanks, Karl - I've just polished off your listening list - started with yours because it was most convenient, but will now move back on to Mahlerian's links.
I knew some already - The Seasons and The Water Music - which are fab, and lovely to listen to again.
Surprise pick for me was the Schubert, "Der Leiermann" (from Die Winterreise) - I didn't think I liked that sort of song, but his voice was so beautiful and the musical accompaniment very evocative.
Hope you're having a nice day. :)
You, as well!
Some of the pieces above really don't answer the question that was asked.
Mahlerian's list was a good answer. Limiting it to 18th- and rhythmic early-19th century works, I'll complement it with:
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (technically 4 pieces but they are short)
Bach: Cello Suites, pick one or all
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 (or all of them)
Bach: Mass in B Minor
Haydn: Symphony No. 94 "Surprise"
Mozart: Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter"
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20
Mozart: Serenade "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"
Mozart: Magic Flute
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 32
Some of which I rarely listen to — I debated over "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" but I wanted to include some chamber music, and it is definitely one that everyone knows. The Haydn String Quartets are a fount of quality, but I don't know if any individual one is so famous.
I started to add another list going further into the 19th century, but I know you're already deluged with suggestions.
I second Mahlerian's suggestion to listen to complete works, not just the most-famous bits. And youtube is okay for exploring, but you might find it worthwhile to subscribe to spotify or some other streaming service. (You can listen to spotify for free, but you have to pay to get rid of the ads.)
Quote from: Pat B on August 24, 2017, 02:12:31 PM
I started to add another list going further into the 19th century, but I know you're already deluged with suggestions.
This is true! Still, I remain grateful for all the recommendations.
I am listening to whole works but I'm afraid I can't manage them at a single sitting. Life gets in the way. Hence, I am in the middle of The Messiah at present, from Mahlerian's list. But I'm going to work through this thread diligently, because 'if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well...' :)
Thank you very much, Pat B.
There is life, and there is the sustained, attentive time-period required by a substantial piece of music. It is a balance, a tension, yes; but I consider it a tension between two entirely worthy gravitational pulls.
Beethoven: Symphony 7
Tchaikovsky: Pathetique Symphony
Schubert: Unfinished Symphony
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto
Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
Mahler: Symphony 1 'Titan'
Holst: The Planets
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Mendelssohn: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Vaughan Williams: Tallis Fantasia
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto 2 or 3
Just a random selection.
Quote from: North Star on August 21, 2017, 10:30:44 AM
Monteverdi - Zefiro torna
https://www.youtube.com/v/e6tJWY2Vaz4
This was one of the first items to seriously turn me on to
Monteverdi.
Quote from: Pat B on August 24, 2017, 02:12:31 PM
Some of the pieces above really don't answer the question that was asked.
[snip]
... I debated over "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" but I wanted to include some chamber music, and it is definitely one that everyone knows. The Haydn String Quartets are a fount of quality, but I don't know if any individual one is so famous.
Point very well taken, to be sure. Without seriously contesting your point, I'll say that I snuck a
Haydn quartet in, when for my second set I kept to the one century. (Still, in strict compliance with the request, I agree that no chamber work . . . probably no 18th-c.
symphony . . . of
"Papa's" really fits the request.)
To that point, though (and our
Gurn has forborne to upbraid us for this lacuna, and his self-restraint is truly a marvel to contemplate):
In a list of a dozen classical pieces that everyone is 'expected' to know, who of us can deny that the below example ranks quite high? Yet, we've all managed to omit it, somehow . . . .
http://www.youtube.com/v/lYbSNJDDAfk
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 26, 2017, 06:07:04 AMIn a list of a dozen classical pieces that everyone is 'expected' to know, who of us can deny that the below example ranks quite high? Yet, we've all managed to omit it, somehow . . . .
For my part, I excluded it only because I was keeping to one piece per composer. Going to two personal favorite composers...
Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xO968YNrMs)
Schoenberg: Verklarte Nacht (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhT6afzke-c)
Quote from: Mahlerian on August 26, 2017, 08:16:22 AM
For my part, I excluded it only because I was keeping to one piece per composer.
Likewise! For, truly, one could list 12
LvB pieces which "a musically literate person" (as an earlier generation would see it) should be expected to know.
(I should be curious to see the old College of Wooster listening lists for music majors, from which material for the annual "drop the needle" tests would be selected. There must indeed be 12
LvB works there . . . .)
Thanks for the latest recommendations. There are a lot more than 12 'pieces which would embarrass me not to know', so plenty of room for a few each by the great composers.
I'm still working valiantly through the first page posts - valiantly but very enjoyably.
Quote from: Rosalba on August 26, 2017, 11:27:06 PM
Thanks for the latest recommendations. There are a lot more than 12 'pieces which would embarrass me not to know', so plenty of room for a few each by the great composers.
I'm still working valiantly through the first page posts - valiantly but very enjoyably.
There's no rush, which is part of the beauty.
The enormous blessing is, there is
such a wealth of good literature to hear. We shan't ever exhaust it.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 27, 2017, 04:54:47 AM
There's no rush, which is part of the beauty.
The enormous blessing is, there is such a wealth of good literature to hear. We shan't ever exhaust it.
Excellent advice here. It's not a race. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
Quote from: Mahlerian on August 19, 2017, 07:40:23 AM
Not necessarily the ones I think are the best, but certainly among the best-known. Usually it's an excerpt or two from these that's really the "hit," but they're all better in full.
Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmHTJv5pjYo)
Handel: Messiah (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCqOTpD9yto)
Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4xBJJqAweY)
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C# minor "Moonlight" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj75TeQmSHA)
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night's Dream Overture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0gHTNJVFtA)
Schumann: Kinderszenen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiMFICjD5Hg)
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in E minor "From the New World" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HClX2s8A9IE)
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDhq70yrtiI)
Debussy: Suite Bergamasque (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVYU99NjwYI)
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwcUSshWhlw)
Ravel: Bolero (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_AjezOSKdk)
Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfM7Y9Pcdzw)
I didn't bother listening to Bolero as I know it well already - used to love it but have gone off it somewhat. Of the rest, there are quite a few I already knew, but who could object to listening to Messiah again? It remains wonderful no matter how many times. Ditto Swan Lake & 'Moonlight'.
Some things which I hadn't heard before - yes, blushing now - surprised me. I really loved the Schumann, and enjoyed the Debussy.
I had never before heard The Rite of Spring. I am not sure (totally) whether I like it, but it is arresting - impressive - stunningly original - though why they rioted, I still can't imagine. Maybe the suggestiveness of the dancing, maybe something febrile in the atmosphere, maybe just a good excuse for a rammy.
Thank you very much, Mahlerian, for taking this trouble on my behalf.
I have already listened to Karl's post, #2, and very enjoyable it was. Now for North Star and Spineur (rubs hands with glee...) :)
Quote from: North Star on August 19, 2017, 08:33:59 AM
Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (there are also numerous orchestrations, most famously the one by Ravel)
Below are two recordings of the work, by Mikhail Pletnev and Leif-Ove Andsnes.
Have just finished listening to the Pletnev.
Wow -
WOW!
It's 'dazzling' indeed - so clever, and such depth.
Thanks, North Star.
Quote from: Spineur on August 19, 2017, 08:44:56 AM
Bach badinerie from orchestra suite no 2 2:20 of pure happiness
Charles Gounod, Ave Maria
Both lovely - thanks!
Quote from: Rosalba on September 07, 2017, 12:32:30 PM
Have just finished listening to the Pletnev.
Wow - WOW!
It's 'dazzling' indeed - so clever, and such depth.
Thanks, North Star.
Try it with the Ravel orchestration. It becomes an altogether different piece.
^^^^ Thanks for the suggestion - good to know! :)
Quote from: North Star on August 19, 2017, 08:58:27 AM
Liszt: La campanella (Grandes études de Paganini, S. 141, No. 3)
Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries (an excerpt from the Ring cycle) [I resisted the temptation to post the Looney Tunes version..]
And Sarasate's Fantasy is a handy way to hear the greatest hits from Bizet's Carmen.
I enjoyed all these - thank you, North Star.
Quote from: Rosalba on September 07, 2017, 09:59:01 AM
I didn't bother listening to Bolero as I know it well already - used to love it but have gone off it somewhat. Of the rest, there are quite a few I already knew, but who could object to listening to Messiah again? It remains wonderful no matter how many times. Ditto Swan Lake & 'Moonlight'.
Some things which I hadn't heard before - yes, blushing now - surprised me. I really loved the Schumann, and enjoyed the Debussy.
I had never before heard The Rite of Spring. I am not sure (totally) whether I like it, but it is arresting - impressive - stunningly original - though why they rioted, I still can't imagine. Maybe the suggestiveness of the dancing, maybe something febrile in the atmosphere, maybe just a good excuse for a rammy.
Thank you very much, Mahlerian, for taking this trouble on my behalf.
I have already listened to Karl's post, #2, and very enjoyable it was. Now for North Star and Spineur (rubs hands with glee...) :)
You're welcome.
Quote from: Rosalba on September 07, 2017, 12:32:30 PM
Have just finished listening to the Pletnev.
Wow - WOW!
It's 'dazzling' indeed - so clever, and such depth.
Thanks, North Star.
Quote from: Rosalba on September 08, 2017, 01:16:56 AM
I enjoyed all these - thank you, North Star.
You're welcome, good to see you're enjoying the ride.
Quote from: Rosalba on August 19, 2017, 07:27:22 AM
As someone fairly new to classical music who can be easily embarrassed by my ignorance, I'm wondering whether any of you seasoned listeners could provide a list of a dozen classical pieces that everyone is 'expected' to know?
All help is gratefully received. Thank you.
I'll try and give a list, but please be aware that I only pursue music I'm interested in, so my list will pertain to works that I believe most listeners, myself excluded ( ;) ), should know and I'll limit my list to 15 works (in no particular order):
Bach:
Partitas for Solo Violin (all of them --- I believe there's three of them)
Mozart:
RequiemHaydn:
Die Schöpfung (The Creation)Beethoven:
Symphony No. 9 (Choral)Schubert:
WinterreiseMendelssohn:
The Hebrides - OvertureSchumann:
Piano ConcertoBrahms:
Ein Deutsches RequiemMahler:
Rückert-LiederDebussy:
Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun)Ravel:
BoleroStravinsky:
The FirebirdJanáček:
In the MistsProkofiev:
Romeo & Juliet Suite (you'll know when you're ready to hear the complete ballet)
Copland:
Appalachian Spring
Quote from: Rosalba on September 07, 2017, 09:59:01 AM
I had never before heard The Rite of Spring. I am not sure (totally) whether I like it, but it is arresting - impressive - stunningly original - though why they rioted, I still can't imagine. Maybe the suggestiveness of the dancing, maybe something febrile in the atmosphere, maybe just a good excuse for a rammy.
Supposedly it was the unconventional choreography more than the music.
To me, the music initially seemed sort of cacophonous. You may have liked it more than I did at first. But it grew on me in a big way, so you may want to give it a few more spins, as the mood strikes.
Glad to see your continuing reports!
Thank you, Mirror Image & Pat B. :)
Quote from: Rosalba on September 09, 2017, 12:32:44 AM
Thank you, Mirror Image & Pat B. :)
You're quite welcome!
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on August 20, 2017, 12:51:51 AM
Off the top of my head, these are essential works that haven't been mentioned yet:
Webern - Symphony op 21
Bartok - Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta
Stravinsky - Agon
Varese - Ameriques
Stockhausen - Gruppen
Xenakis - Jonchaies
Ligeti - Atmospheres
Penderecki - Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima
Hope you enjoy them, it provides a great contrast to many of the examples cited thus far too 8)
'Great contrast' - absolutely right!
Thanks for suggesting this list, α | ì Æ ñ.
It was very interesting to listen, and I'm glad to have done so, but to be honest, this sort of music turns out not to be my cup of tea.
I enjoyed and quite liked the Webern - was bored by the Bartok - could hardly stand listening to the Stockhausen :) - and admired the clever artistry of the Xenakis, Ligeti and Penderecki, but didn't enjoy the uneasiness they induced in me.
It all helps to give me a 'mind-map' of classical music - where it's been, and where it's going. Thanks again!
One of the great things about "classical" is that often composers write very different kinds of works (often over a life's changes in outlook). For example the unease of that Ligeti piece....listen to this short piece by Ligeti, it's a hoot!
https://youtu.be/txMWXvD8kL4
Of course, this means one might need to check out several pieces by a composer!!
Quote from: nodogen on September 13, 2017, 01:00:08 AM
One of the great things about "classical" is that often composers write very different kinds of works (often over a life's changes in outlook). For example the unease of that Ligeti piece....listen to this short piece by Ligeti, it's a hoot!
Of course, this means one might need to check out several pieces by a composer!!
You are right, of course. :)
I have just listened to Ligeti's Six Bagatelles (once I'd found it!!!) and this piece was playful and exuberant in a way that I found much more 'up my street'.
Thank you, nodogen.
Quote from: Rosalba on September 13, 2017, 01:37:55 AM
You are right, of course. :)
I have just listened to Ligeti's Six Bagatelles, and they were playful and exuberant in a way that I found much more 'up my street'.
Thank you, nodogen.
You're welcome 😊
Nobody is going to be humming Threnody in the shower are they? (Well, alien might) 🙃
Quote from: Rosalba on September 13, 2017, 12:38:51 AM
- was bored by the Bartok -
Aiyee! It grieves my soul when someone finds
Bartók boring! (I am not angry,
Rosalba, only
hurt 8) )
I wanted to find a video of someone playing, but I found either the performance boring, or the performer too . . . showy. So, this is just a performance which I like very well (and the score passing by . . . .)
http://www.youtube.com/v/lpIlo8tGbSo
Another Bartók 101 suggestion: the Rhapsodies.
https://www.youtube.com/v/KuGjucuowho
https://www.youtube.com/v/0rn0iC60j-0
And, dammit, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying the Romanian Folk Dances.
https://www.youtube.com/v/Wk7QAQEw4ZI
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 13, 2017, 03:23:09 AM
Aiyee! It grieves my soul when someone finds Bartók boring! (I am not angry, Rosalba, only hurt 8) )
I wanted to find a video of someone playing, but I found either the performance boring, or the performer too . . . showy. So, this is just a performance which I like very well (and the score passing by . . . .)
Oh sorry!
Of course, I didn't mean that I found the whole of Bartok boring, just that particular one ('Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta').
I thought that it would be better & more interesting for you knowledgeable lot if a Newby gave their honest opinion, that's all. :)
I am listening to the one you posted, Piano Sonata, Sz. 80, at the moment, and I like it - certainly not boring.
Aha - I see some fresh Bartok has arrived while I've been posting - thanks, North Star!
Will a subscription to the Bartok Fan Club Annual Ball repair the damage? 8)
Quote from: Rosalba on September 13, 2017, 04:26:00 AM
Oh sorry!
Of course, I didn't mean that I found the whole of Bartok boring, just that particular one ('Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta').
I thought that it would be better & more interesting for you knowledgeable lot if a Newby gave their honest opinion, that's all. :)
Of course! and I was not really sore. I know that a piece which you find boring today, you may listen to it again 10 years later, and you may find you love it.
Doth not the appetite alter?
Quote from: Rosalba on September 13, 2017, 04:26:00 AM
I thought that it would be better & more interesting for you knowledgeable lot if a Newby gave their honest opinion, that's all. :)
Of course! Your opinion is as "valid" as anyone else's IMO, whatever one's knowledge level. My level is still on the ground floor of the knowledge building, and once I reach the revolving restaurant at the top I will
still hate opera. 😈
Quote from: nodogen on September 13, 2017, 05:41:00 AM
Of course! Your opinion is as "valid" as anyone else's IMO
+ 1
Sorry I've not been on for a while - I've had some personal issues. I hope to get back to listening to your recommendations later this year.
Hope you're all getting on well. xx
Good to see you again!
So an avant garde composer in the course of their education would have to work through all this music from hundreds of years previously; analyse, compose and play in those styles - and to make it all the way through to a professional qualification would presumably have to like a fair bit of it?
Quote from: 2dogs on September 04, 2018, 09:28:38 PM
So an avant garde composer in the course of their education would have to work through all this music from hundreds of years previously; analyse, compose and play in those styles - and to make it all the way through to a professional qualification would presumably have to like a fair bit of it?
Consider my response speculative (that is, I am not in a position to answer with authority).
I don't know that he would be compelled to like any of it. In my experience, a good of semi-involuntary affection buds just through the experience.
But, it has certainly been the traditional view, that a professional awareness of the musical past is a precondition for doing one's work, today.
Is it an absolute? Probably not. There are fewer artistic absolutes, in reality, than my teachers were wont to claim.
Thanks Karl, it's good to get a reply from someone who's been through the educational system. It does make sense to build on what's been done in the past and I suppose there would be at least an academic interest in studying the structure of different pieces of music.
All you need to know :D
https://www.youtube.com/v/TP9u_7eSlTQ
I took a music appreciation course so long ago that the text came with LPs. I thoroughly enjoyed the course. The text was Music, An Appreciation, and there are lots of old editions of this or similar books around. Add a subscription to Spotify and you have access to any music in reasonable fidelity. Or just search Youtube.
Quote from: Daverz on September 05, 2018, 09:29:35 AM
All you need to know :D
https://www.youtube.com/v/TP9u_7eSlTQ
I remember those commercials! I generally saw them in the station breaks for
Jeopardy!
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 05, 2018, 09:31:07 AM
I remember those commercials! I generally saw them in the station breaks for Jeopardy!
I think I do, too. At any rate I know my dad had the LPs.
Quote from: Rosalba on September 13, 2017, 12:38:51 AM
'Great contrast' - absolutely right!
Thanks for suggesting this list, α | ì Æ ñ.
It was very interesting to listen, and I'm glad to have done so, but to be honest, this sort of music turns out not to be my cup of tea.
I enjoyed and quite liked the Webern - was bored by the Bartok - could hardly stand listening to the Stockhausen :) - and admired the clever artistry of the Xenakis, Ligeti and Penderecki, but didn't enjoy the uneasiness they induced in me.
It all helps to give me a 'mind-map' of classical music - where it's been, and where it's going. Thanks again!
Webern - Symphony op 21
Bartok - Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta
Stravinsky - Agon
Varese - Ameriques
Stockhausen - Gruppen
Xenakis - Jonchaies
Ligeti - Atmospheres
Penderecki - Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima
That's is so close to my list that it is not funny
Varese - Poème électronique
Varese - Hyperprism
Varese - Ionisation
Varese - Ameriques
Stockhausen - Gruppen
Varese - Octandre
Cage - ASLSP
Cage- 4'33"
Quote from: Alek Hidell on September 05, 2018, 06:42:56 PM
I think I do, too. At any rate I know my dad had the LPs.
$11.98 sounds very reasonable - unless you want them on cassette or 8-track ;).
Aha - have located this thread of mine from when I joined GMG. I'm rather sad to see that some of the contributors have left the site or else been inactive for some years. I hope they are okay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What would I put on here if I were to give myself advice?
The list, remember, is to prevent one being shown up by not knowing the famous pieces, so of course, they're all very well known.
Mine are more than well-known, and they don't go beyond the nineteenth century, so my thanks to those above who recommended modern works in particular.
1. Monteverdi, Vespers
2. Purcell, Dido and Aeneas
3. Vivaldi, The Four Seasons
4. Handel, Messiah
5. Bach, Brandenburg Concerto no. 5
6. Mozart, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
7. Beethoven's Fifth Symphony
8. Schubert: Trout Quintet
9. Tchaikovsky, 1812 Overture
10. Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody
11. Grieg, Peer Gynt
12. Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"
Quote from: Rosalba on April 27, 2022, 05:58:02 AM
Aha - have located this thread of mine from when I joined GMG. I'm rather sad to see that some of the contributors have left the site or else been inactive for some years. I hope they are okay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What would I put on here if I were to give myself advice?
The list, remember, is to prevent one being shown up by not knowing the famous pieces, so of course, they're all very well known.
Mine are more than well-known, and they don't go beyond the nineteenth century, so my thanks to those above who recommended modern works in particular.
1. Monteverdi, Vespers
2. Purcell, Dido and Aeneas
3. Vivaldi, The Four Seasons
4. Handel, Messiah
5. Bach, Brandenburg Concerto no. 5
6. Mozart, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
7. Beethoven's Fifth Symphony
8. Schubert: Trout Quintet
9. Tchaikovsky, 1812 Overture
10. Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody
11. Grieg, Peer Gynt
12. Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"
Solid list, my compliments. ;)
For what it's worth,
Overture 1812 was my father's choice to indoctrinate my brother and l into the world of orchestral music, upon the reasonable premise that most young boys like it when things explode. :laugh:
The version of the 1812 I got to know (on Melodiya Eurodisc LP) was a "Soviet" one that replaced the tsarist hymn at the end with another patriotic (still not soviet but apparently deemed more innocuous) tune. Over 30 years later, the standard version still sounds a bit wrong to me (not that I listen to the piece more than once in a blue moon).
Quote from: LKB on April 27, 2022, 07:24:14 AM
Solid list, my compliments. ;)
For what it's worth, Overture 1812 was my father's choice to indoctrinate my brother and l into the world of orchestral music, upon the reasonable premise that most young boys like it when things explode. :laugh:
:)
My sister bought it as an extended play when she was sixteen (and I was eight) so I got to know it then - and the bells and the cannon were exciting to me too!