I'm a music lover with an extensive library of music but almost none of it is classical. I've always wanted to explore classical, but I've found it extremely hard to get started. I have no knowledge of what CDs to buy; which ones will be great and which ones will be a waste of money.
My knowledge of composers is no better than the average guy on the street and my familiarity with the music is mainly from commercials and growing up watching Bugs Bunny. (Shameful, I know.)
So, help a guy battle ignorance and help me find a toe-hold in this confusing (to me) genre. What I'm hoping is that someone can give me specific direction, tell me exactly what 10 CDs will teach me what I need to know to start exploring on my own. Remember, I have no knowledge here, generalities probably won't get me started.
This is something I've wanted to do for years, so I leave my classical music future in the hands of you, the experts.
Thanks!
Good morning, Robertson.
I would start with exploring your public libraries in the area.
Also, you may want to tune into a classical radio station, even if you have to stream it in. I get wonderful pieces from there and then look up the recordings.
Here is the one I tune into and can be streamed at your end. Just go to their KVOD section and follow the directions.
http://www.cpr.org/
You will get a lot of wonderful advice here as well. Not only will you find the folks here helpful, but also kind. However, a bit of plunge and some homework on your part will narrow your questions a bit more and channel the advice given here into a manageable mode.
You may also want to grab a book like this:
http://www.amazon.com/NPR-Guide-Building-Classical-Collection/dp/0761104879/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238163045&sr=8-13
Is it the best? Probably not, but it is a nice start and worked for me in the beginning. However, it does have some starter lists including a Top Ten....and The Next Ten. :)
Hope this helps, and welcome.
This book is a must:
http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Guide-Classical-Music/dp/0679728058
Welcome Robertson!
I second the recommendation to visit the public libraries, as I still do! :)
There are many, many sub-genres and eras of classical music, so just keep this in mind. The exploration can for sure be a lifetime adventure, so enjoy the ride!
I fell in love with Classical Music almost five years ago. It's a lifetime passion now. :)
And here is a great place to visit for the beginner. All kinds of tips here:
http://www.classical.net/music/rep/
http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Music-Phil-G-Goulding/dp/0449910423/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1238164260&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Music-Phil-G-Goulding/dp/0449910423/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1238164260&sr=8-1)
I strongly can recommend this book as a beginner's reference guide. Something I go look back to often. It's a fun read to!
Quote from: ChamberNut on March 27, 2009, 06:33:18 AM
http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Music-Phil-G-Goulding/dp/0449910423/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1238164260&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Music-Phil-G-Goulding/dp/0449910423/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1238164260&sr=8-1)
I strongly can recommend this book as a beginner's reference guide. Something I go look back to often. It's a fun read to!
Great book. I find it very helpful as well.
Quote from: Bogey on March 27, 2009, 06:34:23 AM
Great book. I find it very helpful as well.
A friend of mine whom I've introduced classical music to (he's gone to the last two chamber music concerts I've attended) borrowed this book from me, and he still has it because he's really enjoying it.
Which is great......only problem is I am missing it now! :'(
I would just ask him for it back, inscribe it to him as a gift, and grab another on Amazon..... :)
Quote from: Robertson on March 27, 2009, 06:05:43 AM
So, help a guy battle ignorance and help me find a toe-hold in this confusing (to me) genre. What I'm hoping is that someone can give me specific direction, tell me exactly what 10 CDs will teach me what I need to know to start exploring on my own. Remember, I have no knowledge here, generalities probably won't get me started.
I'll give some recommendations in two different Classical Music eras (just for starters):
Baroque eraComposers (works in brackets) to initially explore:
*Bach, J.S. (Well-Tempered Clavier, Brandenburg Concertos, Cello Suites)
*Handel, G.F. (Concerto Grossi, Messiah)
*Vivaldi, A. (The Four Seasons)
Classical EraComposers (works in brackets) to initially explore:
*Haydn, F.J. (String Quartets Op. 76, Symphonies No.75 to 104?)
*Mozart, W.A. (Eine Kleine Natchmusik, Symphonies 40 & 41, Gran Partita Serenade, Marriage of Figaro and Magic Flute Overtures, Piano Concerto No. 21)
*Beethoven, Lv (Symphony No. 5, 6, 7 or 9; Piano Sonata No. 8 "Pathetique" or No. 14 "Moonlight", Violin Sonata No. 5 "Spring", Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor")
Quote from: Bogey on March 27, 2009, 06:12:59 AM
Also, you may want to tune into a classical radio station, even if you have to stream it in. I get wonderful pieces from there and then look up the recordings.
What he said. This is also what I've said to a few others who were in a situation similar to yours.
GMG (or any public forum of this sort) is a crowd with members with widely varying tastes, and if each of them were to provide you with a list, it would be quite a daunting task for you to choose between them. (Even if you were to find Mozart's symphony No. 40 in all the lists, you'd probably end-up trying to decide between 10 different recordings! :D) This is unlike the case where you like the music of, say, composer B and others can recommend something that might suit your tastes.
Your starting fresh, and frankly that's the best time in anyone's listening. :) I can recommend these two Internet stations: http://www.theclassicalstation.org (WCPE) and http://www.king.org (KING). Both provide daily playlists and play the whole work most of the time. (WCPE is currently in a pledge-drive, so they won't have a playlist, for awhile.)
http://www.classical.net something you may find useful.
GMG member Lethe compiled this very useful list (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,8566.msg210396/topicseen.html#new) of the threads dedicated to the discussion of the works (and the recordings thereof) of various composers.
And keep reading and participating in GMG, you'll pick things up soon. :)
Welcome aboard.
I'll add to what has been said that, not only does classical have a number of sub-categories, structural (e.g. chamber music vs. symphonic music) and stylistic (e.g. Romanticism vs. Classicism), but you might also find many of them almost entirely incompatible with each other, at first.
That having been said, an experienced listener to any type of music is, in general, going to find 'connecting musical dots' easier. But it's still remarkable, and perhaps daunting to a beginner, how contradictory with each other classical sub-genres can sound.
If something you're pointed towards doesn't make sense, be sure to explore around it!
On specific recommendations, it would depend on what sort of classical you'd want to start with. That is, do you want 'old-school', traditional classical? Would you mind more modern examples of classical? Do you want an overview of the field across all genres? :)
(Mind, I would not advise the 'total overview' approach, precisely for the reason I offered above; but localised overviews of, say, the symphony (to offer an example), or, from a different angle, the Baroque era (to offer another example), wouldn't be a bad start!)
Quote from: Renfield on March 27, 2009, 07:05:35 AM
On specific recommendations, it would depend on what sort of classical you'd want to start with. That is, do you want 'old-school', traditional classical? Would you mind more modern examples of classical? Do you want an overview of the field across all genres? :)
Quoted for truth.
Hi Robertson, it's great that you are interested in classical music. It can be a puzzling genre, but it will all make sense soon enough.
For some on-demand listening, try SymphonyCast (http://symphonycast.publicradio.org/) or BBC Radio 3 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006tp3d/episodes/2009). For some free and legal downloads, try the Radio 4's RCO downloads (http://kco.radio4.nl/index.php?lang=en) or Radio 4's Bernard Hatink downloads (http://haitink.radio4.nl/en/home/80-years-bernard-haitink.html). And as others have recommended, classical music radio (streaming online or an actual radio) and your local library are great ways to check out different works. Even YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/) has some great performances (and a lot of bad ones). Also, THIS (http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/)dictionary might be useful if you need to look up a classical music term.
Quote from: Keemun on March 27, 2009, 07:18:56 AM
Even YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/) has some great performances (and a lot of bad ones).
Wow, how did I miss
that! :o Thanks, Keemun. :) Some may find it hard to believe, but YouTube is a great resource for classical music, even if one if not a beginner.
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 06:29:53 AM
And here is a great place to visit for the beginner. All kinds of tips here:
http://www.classical.net/music/rep/
Wow, the repertoire lists on that site are great - the red stars are almost unfailingly spot-on.
Quote from: Lethe on March 27, 2009, 07:37:39 AM
Wow, the repertoire lists on that site are great - the red stars are almost unfailingly spot-on.
Yeah, that site's a good supplement to this one. Or this one is a good supplement to that one. ;D
Welcome, and have fun!
There's no one set of 10 which will serve for everyone. With that caveat, I will suggest the following ten discs (and for fun, will keep them all at budget to mid-price):
1. Thomas Tallis / Spem in alium &c. / Oxford Camerata / Naxos 8557770
2. Béla Bartók / Concerto for Ochestra & Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta / Royal Stockholm Phil, Toronto Symphony / Apex 88431
3. Paul Hindemith / Kammermusiken &c. / Berlin Phil, Abbado / EMI 97711
4. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov / Scheherazade &c. / Phila Orch, Muti / EMI Seraphim 73291
5. Sergei Rachmaninov / Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini &c. / Ashkenazy, LSO, Previn / Universal 000055202
6. Antonín Dvořák / Symphony № 9 in E Minor, From the New World &c. / Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Libor Pesek / Virgin Classics 62492
7. Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky / Concerto for Violin in D Major &c. / Nigel Kennedy, London Philharmonic, Okko Kamu / Classics For Pleasure 85619
8. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Eine kleine Nachtmusik &c. / Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Mariner / EMI Seraphim 73289
9. Antonio Vivaldi / The Four Seasons &c. / Kremerata Baltica, Gidon Kremer / Nonesuch 79568 (← my token "non-budget" recommendation)
10. Igor Stravinsky / Petrushka &c. / City of Birmingham Symphony, Simon Rattle / EMI 85538
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 08:10:24 AM
Welcome, and have fun!
There's no one set of 10 which will serve for everyone. With that caveat, I will suggest the following ten discs (and for fun, will keep them all at budget to mid-price):
1. Thomas Tallis / Spem in alium &c. / Oxford Camerata / Naxos 8557770
2. Béla Bartók / Concerto for Ochestra & Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta / Royal Stockholm Phil, Toronto Symphony / Apex 88431
3. Paul Hindemith / Kammermusiken &c. / Berlin Phil, Abbado / EMI 97711
4. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov / Scheherazade &c. / Phila Orch, Muti / EMI Seraphim 73291
5. Sergei Rachmaninov / Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini &c. / Ashkenazy, LSO, Previn / Universal 000055202
6. Antonín Dvořák / Symphony № 9 in E Minor, From the New World &c. / Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Libor Pesek / Virgin Classics 62492
7. Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky / Concerto for Violin in D Major &c. / Nigel Kennedy, London Philharmonic, Okko Kamu / Classics For Pleasure 85619
8. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Eine kleine Nachtmusik &c. / Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Mariner / EMI Seraphim 73289
9. Antonio Vivaldi / The Four Seasons &c. / Kremerata Baltica, Gidon Kremer / Nonesuch 79568 (← my token "non-budget" recommendation)
10. Igor Stravinsky / Petrushka &c. / City of Birmingham Symphony, Simon Rattle / EMI 85538
Dude, you totally left out the three B's. ;D
I like Bogey's suggestions about the library and the radio. Also, do you have any friends IRL who like classical? And have you heard Mahler?
Here are some discs you might like to try. This just barely scratches the surface.
Mahler, Symphony No. 2, Leonard Bernstein, Deutsche Grammophon 423 395-2 http://www.amazon.com/Mahler-Symphony-No-2-Gustav/dp/B000001G96/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238171399&sr=8-1
Beethoven, Symphony No. 3 & 9, Karl Bohm, Deutsche Grammophon http://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-Symphonies-Overtures-Karl-Ridderbusch/dp/B000001GHL/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238171453&sr=1-2
Mozart, Great Piano Concertos v. 1, Alfred Brendel. http://www.amazon.com/Mozart-Great-Piano-Concertos-Vol/dp/B000004194/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238171763&sr=1-1
Bach, Brandenburg Concertos & Orchestral Suites, Trevor Pinnock http://www.amazon.com/Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Brandenburg-Orchestral/dp/B0000057D8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238171842&sr=1-5
Vivaldi, The Four Seasons, Anne-Sofie Mutter http://www.amazon.com/Vivaldi-Seasons-Tartini-Devils-Trill/dp/B00002DE2L/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238171946&sr=1-3
Bach, Goldberg Variations, Andras Schiff (many other people --most?-- prefer Glenn Gould's versions)
http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Goldberg-Variations-Johann-Sebastian/dp/B000E6EGX2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172112&sr=1-8
Bach, St. Matthew's Passion. My favorite, the first version by Herreweghe, is OOP. I haven't heard any others I like as well, including Herreweghe's newer one.
Schubert, Last Three Piano Sonatas, Alfred Brendel http://www.amazon.com/Schubert-Three-Piano-Sonatas-958-959-960/dp/B00000417C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172322&sr=1-3
Schubert, Piano Trios, Beaux Arts Trio
http://www.amazon.com/Schubert-Piano-Trios-Bernard-Greenhouse/dp/B00000E2TN/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172556&sr=1-3
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 08:17:35 AM
Dude, you totally left out the three B's. ;D
That wouldn't be budget, 'coz he's going to want a 40-disc box of each for starters 8)
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 08:29:37 AM
That wouldn't be budget, 'coz he's going to want a 40-disc box of each for starters 8)
Heehee. Good list, by the way. Nearly well-balanced.
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 08:32:11 AM
Heehee. Good list, by the way. Nearly well-balanced.
Grazie!
Quote from: Lethe on March 27, 2009, 07:37:39 AM
Wow, the repertoire lists on that site are great - the red stars are almost unfailingly spot-on.
A few odd choices for stars: Elgar S1 but not Enigma Variations? VW S3 in preference to S2, S5, or S7. Beethoven Triple Concerto is nice, but hardly essential. Franck's Chorales are boring. Too much Puccini. As much as I like Glazunov, I think his symphonies are a byway, and otherwise not works that will grab the newcomer.
Some of the unstarred entries are odd. Gliere Symphonies 1 & 2, but not the much more recorded 3. Why leave off Shostakovich S9, S13 and S15, but include S12? Schmidt's S2 but not the more recorded S4.
But these are nitpicks.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 08:10:24 AM
6. Antonín Dvořák / Symphony № 9 in E Minor, From the New World &c. / Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Libor Pesek / Virgin Classics 62492
I think I'll give this one a spin this afternoon! 0:)
Quote from: Daverz on March 27, 2009, 08:41:22 AM
But these are nitpicks.
Indeedie. What surprised me was how right-on the majority of it was, especially for composers such as Brahms.
Re. the RVW, the symphonies they list tend to be his most popular and/or considered his most accessable, and for an intro at least the star should probably go to 3 or 5 - I agree with their choices with that one, but your other suggestions are good ones (especially the Beethoven and Elgar).
Good list, James.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 08:10:24 AM
Welcome, and have fun!
There's no one set of 10 which will serve for everyone. With that caveat, I will suggest the following ten discs (and for fun, will keep them all at budget to mid-price):
I haven't updated it in a while, but I think my Amazon Listmania list (http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Entry-Points/lm/R30BGC6G3KITN2) still holds up pretty well. I'm not sure about the Bernstein Gershwin. I've read that he's very wayward here. I think I may replace that entry with the Siegel/Slatkin:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416ZJ649R0L._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Some other possible additions:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HVA5%2Bd8YL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X0DAB7JML._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PEZ6PH29L._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41M3KBESKBL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NSF9ATK0L._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Quote from: James on March 27, 2009, 09:42:10 AM
10 Recommendations
1. J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations / Gould (http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Goldberg-Variations-Johann-Sebastian/dp/B0000CD5GE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238170781&sr=1-6)
2. Mozart: Piano Concertos 20 & 24 /Haskil (http://www.amazon.com/Mozart-Piano-Concertos-20-24/dp/B000051YDF/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238171462&sr=1-8)
3. Beethoven: Symphonies 5 & 7 /Klieber VPO (http://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-Symphonies-5-Ludwig-van/dp/B000001GPX/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)
4. Wagner: Overtures & Preludes /Various (http://www.amazon.com/Wagner-Overtures-Preludes-Richard/dp/B000001GLB/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172055&sr=1-2)
5. Brahms: Clarinet Quintet op.115 /Melos Quartett, Michel Portal (http://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Quintets-Op-111-115/dp/B00005B6RK/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172155&sr=1-17)
6. Chopin: Piano Nocturnes /Arrau (http://www.amazon.com/Chopin-Complete-Nocturnes-Impromptus-Frederic/dp/B0000041ND/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172337&sr=1-1)
7. Debussy: Orchestral Works /Boulez (http://www.amazon.com/Debussy-Orchestral-Works-Gervase-Peyer/dp/B000002C00/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172598&sr=8-3)
8. Stravinsky: Rite of Spring, Petrouchka /Boulez (http://www.amazon.com/Pierre-Boulez-Stravinsky-Petrouchka-Cleveland/dp/B000002A2M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172822&sr=1-7)
9. Bartok: Piano Concertos /Anda (http://www.amazon.com/Bartok-Concertos-Fricsay-Symphony-Orchestra/dp/B000001GPW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238172924&sr=1-5)
10. Webern: Orchestral Works /Karajan (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=143207)
That
is a good beginner list.
Karl's is also well-rounded, but a little too light on the overall orchestral texture to be entirely representative, maybe. ;)
I like Daverz's (Daverz's?!) too.
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 08:17:35 AM
Dude, you totally left out the three B's. ;D
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 08:10:24 AM
2. Béla Bartók / Concerto for Ochestra & Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta / Royal Stockholm Phil, Toronto Symphony / Apex 88431
But, he's got two of them right there... :) I suppose the third one would be Bach, those three would do me nicely on the island.
Sorry, I'll go back to lurking now.
That leaves the one I left out as Berlioz (one of the original three B's) . . . and I am delighted that Dave is indignant at this omission! 8)
Quote from: rickardg on March 27, 2009, 10:41:21 AM
But, he's got two of them right there... :) I suppose the third one would be Bach
The 3 B's: Bax, Berlioz, and Bruckner.
:o ::) :P
Boulez, Britten & Birtwistle?
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 10:57:09 AM
Boulez, Britten & Birtwistle?
(http://dailymeltdown.com/images/ScreamingMan.jpg)
Binchois, Byrd & Buxtehude, then?
To be sure, my list feels out of balance . . . how could I omit Nielsen or Prokofiev! Or Sibelius! :o :o :o :o :o
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 11:11:52 AM
Binchois, Byrd & Buxtehude, then?
(http://www.best-of-web.com/_images/070824-172326.jpg)
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 11:12:43 AM
To be sure, my list feels out of balance . . . how could I omit Nielsen or Prokofiev! Or Sibelius! :o :o :o :o :o
You have enough modern garbage in there. No need for more. ;D
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on March 27, 2009, 10:57:09 AM
Boulez, Britten & Birtwistle?
Ahh...beat me to the punch, so I'll offer
Babbitt,
Berio and
Busoni. >:D
--Bruce
Bullshit, Balderdash and Baloney.
Continuing to address the original poster's question seriously (in addition to the many helpful comments here), in addition to considering different eras of composition, I'd also consider "types" or genres of music, e.g., string quartets, solo piano, choral, orchestral, electronic, etc.
I know people who hate sopranos, or only like violin music, or can't stand choruses, or only prefer chamber works, and I'd suggest that a beginner at least start with something to which he is mildly inclined. If for some reason you really love the sound of a flute, check out a variety of flute concertos, of all periods.
--Bruce
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 11:30:11 AM
Bullshit, Balderdash and Baloney.
Are those good composers? >:D ;D
--Bruce
Babble, Bunk and Bananas.
Quote from: bhodges on March 27, 2009, 11:23:35 AM
Ahh...beat me to the punch, so I'll offer Babbitt, Berio and Busoni. >:D
--Bruce
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 11:30:11 AM
Bullshit, Balderdash and Baloney.
;D ;D ;D
Making me LOL in the middle of the night! That rhymed well, too.
By now you guys have surely driven the poor beginner far, far away. $:)
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 11:30:11 AM
Baloney.
Dave, isn't 'Albinoni' the proper spelling? >:D
Quote from: ChamberNut on March 27, 2009, 11:38:36 AM
Dave, isn't 'Albinoni' the proper spelling? >:D
I can't confirm that, as I am not an expert in baloney. Methinks one mustn't be far away. ;D
Quote from: George on March 27, 2009, 11:37:53 AM
By now you guys have surely driven the poor beginner far, far away. $:)
Aren't we making him feel welcome by posting in his thread? ???
I cannot hide my indifference to Modern music any longer. Have you noticed?
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 11:45:34 AM
Aren't we making him feel welcome by posting in his thread? ???
I was
joking.
Quote from: bhodges on March 27, 2009, 11:31:33 AM
Are those good composers? >:D ;D
--Bruce
Sure!
Bernard Ulf Ullshit ( Stockholm 1789-1871), Bertram Alderdash ( Birmingham 1893-London 1971), Benoit Alonéy( Reims 1564-Florence 1610)
Quote from: pjme on March 27, 2009, 11:54:56 AM
Sure!
Bernard Ulf Ullshit ( Stockholm 1789-1871), Bertram Alderdash ( Birmingham 1893-London 1971), Benoit Alonéy( Reims 1564-Florence 1610)
Classic. 8)
Quote from: Mn Dave on March 27, 2009, 11:54:51 AM
???
:P
(http://www.reading-forum.co.uk/forum/images/smilies/shrug1.gif)
Quote from: pjme on March 27, 2009, 11:54:56 AM
Sure!
Bernard Ulf Ullshit ( Stockholm 1789-1871), Bertram Alderdash ( Birmingham 1893-London 1971), Benoit Alonéy( Reims 1564-Florence 1610)
I can picture Bart Simpson now - "Yes, I'd like to speak to a a Mr. Ullshit, first name, Bernard Ulf?" ;D
Quote from: James on March 27, 2009, 11:23:14 AM
It's important for beginners to realize the best of that diversity/vast timeline,
In that spirit, a selection of 20th century music:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oszHlaA4L._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RYXCQATfL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/3f/f9/7f66c060ada0dd1c31c99110.L.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31471cGFn-L._SL500_AA192_.jpg)
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/f5/a8/5c5f7220eca0c247928a9010.L._AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61FMPFPEVKL._SL500_AA240_.gif)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yjNF6ds5L._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Xi4DQMlOL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YzvNfJHFL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41KHE29HX4L._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Another list could be made of more conservative composers from the earlier part of the century. This would include an older Prokofiev and a younger Schoenberg!
I started at the top of this list about four years ago: http://www.npr.org/programs/pt/features/pt50.html (http://www.npr.org/programs/pt/features/pt50.html) (the page is screwing up a fair bit in my browser but still readable).
I bought most of the top 20 (usually, but not always the recommended performance), then started picking and choosing from the rest, and finally broke away from the list altogether once I'd learned enough. It's fun to revisit actually and see what I still have, and what has been replaced.
Quote from: RussellG on March 28, 2009, 03:18:12 AM
I started at the top of this list about four years ago: http://www.npr.org/programs/pt/features/pt50.html (http://www.npr.org/programs/pt/features/pt50.html) (the page is screwing up a fair bit in my browser but still readable).
Nice essentials list. Too bad it doesn't have any Rachmaninoff or Schoenberg/Berg/Webern.
Quote from: Robertson on March 27, 2009, 06:05:43 AM
I'm a music lover with an extensive library of music but almost none of it is classical. I've always wanted to explore classical, but I've found it extremely hard to get started. I have no knowledge of what CDs to buy; which ones will be great and which ones will be a waste of money.
My knowledge of composers is no better than the average guy on the street and my familiarity with the music is mainly from commercials and growing up watching Bugs Bunny. (Shameful, I know.)
So, help a guy battle ignorance and help me find a toe-hold in this confusing (to me) genre. What I'm hoping is that someone can give me specific direction, tell me exactly what 10 CDs will teach me what I need to know to start exploring on my own. Remember, I have no knowledge here, generalities probably won't get me started.
This is something I've wanted to do for years, so I leave my classical music future in the hands of you, the experts.
Thanks!
Hi Robertson
As well as plugging my reviews, which are aimed at those just starting out with classical music, let me also mention that you'll find a wealth of links to other informative sites by going to the 'Resources' page of mine. Just take the link from my signature below. And do please report back periodically to tell us how your classical music listening is going. ;)
FK
Very nicely done, Mark.
Hello, Robertson, and welcome to the GMG forum. As you can tell from all the posts so far, folks here are eager to assist you in discovering this treasure trove of music. You probably also have begun suspecting that there are no "10 CDs" or even "10 pieces" that everyone will agree on, so it's difficult to choose when so many people you don't know are recommending so many different things. Classical music lovers are no less passionate about their favorites than pop music fans.
One resource I always suggest to help newbies sort things out is BBC Radio 3's classical website. This offers a variety of streaming programs and some very helpful archives. I especially recommend the Discovering Music archive of past shows exploring both matters of general interest and in-depth looks at specific works, usually including a complete performance of the work in question. Here's the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/discoveringmusic/listeninglibrary.shtml (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/discoveringmusic/listeninglibrary.shtml)
Before you rush out and buy 10 CDs based on someone's suggested list, you might try listening to some of these programs to learn what types of music have the most immediate appeal for you. Then begin buying selectively to explore those particular genres, periods, and composers. Note also that many libraries have classical CDs available. Even a small local library is likely to have several of the core works in the classical canon.
You might also take a look at the Good Music Guide recommendations for essential CDs, found here: http://www.good-music-guide.com/essential/index.htm (http://www.good-music-guide.com/essential/index.htm)
FYI, a similar thread with many specific recommendations can be found here. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,8658.0.html)
Good luck...and please come back to let us know how you're getting on.
You could sign up for a free trial subscription of Napster. They have a huge range of classical music to download, including just about everything anyone could ever recommend to a newbie. That way you can explore to you heart's content and just buy any discs that stand out. That's what I do and it works a treat.
And when you are ready to buy, always check out Amazon marketplace for bargain used discs to keep costs down, which is especially important when everything is new and exciting and you could happily buy everything. ;D
Quote from: tanuki on March 28, 2009, 05:49:18 AM
Nice essentials list. Too bad it doesn't have any Rachmaninoff or Schoenberg/Berg/Webern.
You actually get a Rach piano concerto at number two on the list - it's coupled with Tchaikovsky PC1 on the Van Cliburn disc (I bought the Living Stereo SACD version of this, which sounds magnificent).
Quote from: RussellG on March 28, 2009, 04:06:13 PM
You actually get a Rach piano concerto at number two on the list - it's coupled with Tchaikovsky PC1 on the Van Cliburn disc (I bought the Living Stereo SACD version of this, which sounds magnificent).
I've recommended the Rach 2 CD by Richter/Wislocki (coupled with the Tchaikovsky PC 1 with Karajan) and they have loved it. Richter's Rach 2 was the recording that started my deep appreciation for the pianist. I don't think I have heard the Cliburn.
Quote from: Robertson on March 27, 2009, 06:05:43 AM
I'm a music lover with an extensive library of music but almost none of it is classical. I've always wanted to explore classical, but I've found it extremely hard to get started. I have no knowledge of what CDs to buy; which ones will be great and which ones will be a waste of money.
My knowledge of composers is no better than the average guy on the street and my familiarity with the music is mainly from commercials and growing up watching Bugs Bunny. (Shameful, I know.)
So, help a guy battle ignorance and help me find a toe-hold in this confusing (to me) genre. What I'm hoping is that someone can give me specific direction, tell me exactly what 10 CDs will teach me what I need to know to start exploring on my own. Remember, I have no knowledge here, generalities probably won't get me started.
This is something I've wanted to do for years, so I leave my classical music future in the hands of you, the experts.
Thanks!
Hello
Robertson 8), I hope my colleagues here on GMG have not driven you away, they are just joking around :) and they did have some good advice (the public library is an excellent place to start). I feel I should tell you that classical music is a constant discovery. I would never claim to be an "expert" as I find myself constantly learning. All I can offer you is my experience with classical music. I started with Mozart and found him to be an excellent entry into classical music and especially opera. I used to watch (repeatedly) the film Amadeus, don't take the film very seriously but there is a wide selection of Mozart's music in there and it is very entertaining. I will admit that I got hooked onto opera and vocals because of that film. Good Luck!
PS: Don't start with
Wagner 0:), it's always best to leave the best for last ;)!!
marvin
Quote from: George on March 28, 2009, 04:29:13 PM
I've recommended the Rach 2 CD by Richter/Wislocki (coupled with the Tchaikovsky PC 1 with Karajan) and they have loved it. Richter's Rach 2 was the recording that started my deep appreciation for the pianist. I don't think I have heard the Cliburn.
The Living Stereo SACD comes highly recommended George. Number 53 in CDUniverse' all-time classical sales rankings!
Quote from: RussellG on March 28, 2009, 04:40:53 PM
The Living Stereo SACD comes highly recommended George. Number 53 in CDUniverse' all-time classical sales rankings!
I have heard enough of Cliburn to know that he is not for me.
Quote from: Robertson on March 27, 2009, 06:05:43 AM
I'm a music lover with an extensive library of music but almost none of it is classical. I've always wanted to explore classical, but I've found it extremely hard to get started. I have no knowledge of what CDs to buy; which ones will be great and which ones will be a waste of money.
My knowledge of composers is no better than the average guy on the street and my familiarity with the music is mainly from commercials and growing up watching Bugs Bunny. (Shameful, I know.)
So, help a guy battle ignorance and help me find a toe-hold in this confusing (to me) genre. What I'm hoping is that someone can give me specific direction, tell me exactly what 10 CDs will teach me what I need to know to start exploring on my own. Remember, I have no knowledge here, generalities probably won't get me started.
This is something I've wanted to do for years, so I leave my classical music future in the hands of you, the experts.
Thanks!
I've tried to make my list as varied as possible - from the late baroque to modern - from chamber music to symphonic to opera.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OFcEzBXTL._SS500_.jpg)
A cheap 3-cd box set with some of Bach's most famous orchestral music. Especially the
Brandenburg Concertos are extremely popular. These recordings from Trevor Pinnock are classics.
(http://t-portal.ru/_bl/2/91140.jpg)
I've only included some vocal works because they are such a important part of classical music. Handel composed (besides lots of music in other forms of course) many great oratorios, the most famous of which is the
Messiah. I again choose Pinnock, but there are many good
Messiah recordings.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F1WMXT6SL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
The
Opus20 String Quartets from Haydn (who practically invented the string quartet as we know it) on a double cd by Quatuor Mosaiques. This is Opus20, but other recordings from the Quatuor Mosaiques of Haydn Quartets are just as good.
(http://www.martingolembiovsky.com/pages/storage/03.jpg)
A 8-cd box set of the Mozart Piano Concertos by Geza Anda. This isn't exactly cheap, but it definitely isn't an expensive set either considering what you get for your money.
(http://www.emiextranet.com/Packshots/Med/0724357389525_M.jpg)
Very cheap 9-cd set of all the Beethoven Symphonies and Piano Concertos by Otto Klemperer (conductor) and Daniel Barenboim (piano).
(http://cdn.last.fm/coverart/300x300/311430.jpg)
This is a solid 2-cd collection of some of Chopin's most popular music by Vladimir Ashkenazy.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4161NY80VDL._SL500_.jpg)
Opera may be a hard nut to crack for the newcomer to classical music, but it's also very rewarding once you get into it.
Carmen which was the first 'real' opera I ever heard did the trick for me. LOTS of great tunes that you will immediately recognize. This Karajan recording is maybe not the very best
Carmen out there but it made an opera lover out of me.
(http://www.mmmusic.co.uk/buildingalibrarypics/4775911.jpg)
Mravinsky's unbeatable recordings of the symphonies 4, 5 & 6 from Tchaikovsky on two cd's.
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Oct04/Bartok_Reiner_82876613902.jpg)
Bartok is one of the giants of 20th century music. This Fritz Reiner recording is a classic.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yjNF6ds5L._SL600_.jpg)
Adams is one of the more accessible living composers and thus ideal for the newcomer in my opinion.
Quote from: DavidRoss on March 28, 2009, 07:10:33 AM
One resource I always suggest to help newbies sort things out is BBC Radio 3's classical website. This offers a variety of streaming programs and some very helpful archives. I especially recommend the Discovering Music archive of past shows exploring both matters of general interest and in-depth looks at specific works, usually including a complete performance of the work in question. Here's the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/discoveringmusic/listeninglibrary.shtml (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/discoveringmusic/listeninglibrary.shtml)
Before you rush out and buy 10 CDs based on someone's suggested list, you might try listening to some of these programs to learn what types of music have the most immediate appeal for you.
Heartily seconded. A very useful site for both beginners and experienced listeners. I'd spend some time exploring there, listening to classical radio, etc. before rushing out and buying a bunch of stuff. As we'll all attest, there will be plenty of "rushing out and buying a bunch of stuff" later ;D
I would inject one other element that I would highlight more and that is to get discs that have multiple composers. When starting out, you don't know what you like, so a variety is good as well (or perhaps a mix of some with just one composer and others with a wider variety). Buying 8 discs of music you hardly know is perhaps better after you have had a chance to hear the composer a bit first.
Some examples could include:
Collection of piano works/recital focused on a pianist (rather than one composer): could be Kissen, Horowitz, Pletnev, etc.
Disc of several violin concertos (Beethoven/Mozart combo for example)
Waltzes, Gallops, Polkas, etc. (several out there with Lehar, Strausses, Lanner, etc...)
Violinists (many discs of flashy pieces by multiple composers)
Frederic Fennell (Many discs with him and orchestra (often Eastman) that have multiple composers, favoirte it one with Holst Military suites on Telarc, but many others good as well)
Overtures and Ballet music discs (for example a two-for-the-price-of-one with Bonynge conducting)
Peter and Wolf (fabulous one with Sir Ralph Richardson, with music from Bizet, Debussy and Dukas too)
Quote from: Robertson on March 27, 2009, 06:05:43 AM
...
So, help a guy battle ignorance and help me find a toe-hold in this confusing (to me) genre. What I'm hoping is that someone can give me specific direction, tell me exactly what 10 CDs will teach me what I need to know to start exploring on my own. Remember, I have no knowledge here, generalities probably won't get me started.
This is something I've wanted to do for years, so I leave my classical music future in the hands of you, the experts.
Thanks!
Robertson, what wonderful advice you've received here. Personally I'm going to follow up on many of the suggestions because I'm still very much a learner myself.
A list of 10 CDs is pretty short list: too short, but then a 100 item list would really be too short as well. However, urged by some acquaintences even less knowlegable than myself, I put together the following list of about 30 compositions and recordings of same that seem decent to me ...
Feanor's Not-Too-Condescending Guide for Classical Beginners (http://ca.geocities.com/w_d_bailey/Feanor_Recommendations.html)
This list of mine is far from perfection and I need to keep working on it, but it stands for now.
I hope Robertson will return to read all the suggestions members here took the trouble of posting...
Date Registered: March 27, 2009, 03:57:50 PM
Last Active: March 27, 2009, 04:17:17 PM
Q
Quote from: Que on April 05, 2009, 10:30:15 AM
I hope Robertson will return to read all the suggestions members here took the trouble of posting...
Date Registered: March 27, 2009, 03:57:50 PM
Last Active: March 27, 2009, 04:17:17 PM
Q
So do I Que! He'll have a lot of great recommendations and routes to work with if he does. :)
Someone should have suggested that he keep coming back! ;D
Umm. Over a year later, and not the same beginner, but I for one am happy to have read all your helpful recommendations, thanks!
I've just joined this site and am a kind of new classical listener.
Quote from: mandm on March 21, 2010, 01:35:06 PM
Umm. Over a year later, and not the same beginner, but I for one am happy to have read all your helpful recommendations, thanks!
I've just joined this site and am a kind of new classical listener.
Welcome, mandm!
Thanks. I'm just listening to the Amadeus Quartett: second movement of Schubert's Death and the Maiden. Beautiful stuff.
Quote from: mandm on March 22, 2010, 02:00:24 PM
Thanks. I'm just listening to the Amadeus Quartett: second movement of Schubert's Death and the Maiden. Beautiful stuff.
Oh my yes! Try the
Rosamunde next, if you haven't already.
Will do, thanks for the tip.