Which Classical Music to Buy? (Composer, etc.) - Page 2

If you like Bach's Brandenburg Concerto's then you'll probably like his Keyboard Concertos- try Glenn Gould's or Angela Hewetts. 

 

Good suggestions.

If looking for more baroque stuff, plenty of energetic music in the other Brandenburg concertos. Or could check out JS Bach's exact contemporary Domenico Scarlatti. Maybe later one of these might look good in your study :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71iUAFFQ8ik&feature=fvwrel

This twentieth century Stravinsky might already have a whiff of familiarity :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ6ZcAGhn7g&feature=fvwrel

I would suggest not even buying any right now. Go to your public library and they should have a relatively large collection of classical music recordings.

 

As for specific suggestions, listen to Beethoven's Symphony No.7. The second movement melody is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.

Two Steps from Hell composes a TON of "classical" music.  It's all very modern, but it's VERY high energy and uses a BIG orchestra.  

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XstrpkqT6dw

Personallly, I'd start with two books: Rough Guide to Classical Music and Penguin Guide to Classical.  Rough Guides are books published for opera jazz and classical and give a brief overview of the composer, then hones in on that composer's most popular work and those works on the best recorded CDs.  Cost about $20 but an excellent reference.

 

the Penguin Guide is published every year and doesn't offer the bio of the composers but DOES have virtually every CD, SACD of that composer's work.  Also highlights thru "keys" and other graphical tools those CDs that are truly outstanding for that particular composer.

 

I have both and love to just browse thru them occassionally.  You can usually find them on Amazon--and can find them in excellent used condition--or in a good used bookstore.  Frankly, I can't see spending money on the 2010 or 2011 Penguin Guide: I've got the 2008, paid $10 for it and serves quite well.

 

To sum up: I'd start with a little reading to see what you like, then go from there.  O and check out your library: to me, this is a goldmine of sources for CDs you can borrow for normal length of time as a regular book.  Then you get to listen to a composer without having to spend money

yep, second the suggestion to listen to the local public library CDs to get a feel, and then to use online stores (or local CD stores, new or used) to hunt down works by the same composers, or the same performers, who appealed to you. also nothing wrong with a flight of recordings of the same work, to compare and get a feel for what musicians do with the material. 

Google The Music Heritage Society. It is an online record club and you get 7 CD with cancellation and no obligation and their recommended recordings are the best. You also get the monthly magazine with recommendations. This is the best way to start IMO for 13.00 shipping you get 7 CD plus all other there are discounted and all major labels