[Ashy]

Ok so it's normally not my thing but I've always wanted to get into some classical music. The problem is I have no idea where to start.

So far what I know is that Bach and Mozart were composers (ie. I know farkall).
I was a bit confused by the list of music they created on wikipedia as they aren't arranged into albums.

Can anyone recommend some good classical CDs to start with?
I guess composers didnt really make albums back then but they did arrange music into shows didnt they?

thanks,
Ashy.

 

[scytheavatar]

Classical CD Guide -- Top 10 CDs to Start Your Classical Music Collection

 

[DemonicLemming]

Mahler and Stravinsky.

 

[audionewbie]

just buy a compilation and see what you like. tchaikovsky(sp) is something always worth listening to IMO but might not be to everybodies tastes.

i like you, like to broaden my horizons and went with the compilation albums. a good way to start.

also check out beethoven, his moonlight sonata is pretty damn good.

 

[webbie64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by audionewbie /img/forum/go_quote.gif just buy a compilation and see what you like. ..i like you, like to broaden my horizons and went with the compilation albums. a good way to start...

X2. I, and many others, started our classical explorations this way. Just don't go for cheap brand compilations - go for those from a renowned classical label. Go to a specialist classical music store, or a general store that has a good classical section with its own desk, to get advice on these sort of compilations.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scytheavatar /img/forum/go_quote.gif Classical CD Guide -- Top 10 CDs to Start Your Classical Music Collection

Interesting. Hadn't seen this before. Quite indicative of the range to seek on a good compilation to start off with

 

[fjf]

Tyson wrote a good starting guide: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f9/cla...g-list-205590/

Start from baroque to romantic. Later you can venture into more modern territory

 

[grayfoot]

What type of popular music do you like?

I remember an story a long time ago in Stereo Review which recommended specific rock albums for classical listeners and vise-versa. I'm sure it would be impossible to find but their point was that classical music varies as much as pop music does - probably more. Certain composers may appeal more to rock, metal, rap, country or new age listeners. A general list of the top 10 classical pieces, will vary as mush as the top popular songs from the last 100 years. Classical music spans 500 or so years and styles and tastes change.

If you know what you like now someone here should be able to give some recommendations that might be closer to what would appeal to you. Sorting out the best matches could be a lot of fun too....

 

[Ashy]

Hmm sounds like a good idea grayfoot.
Ok, I listen to a fair bit of music and can't really pick a favourite style but I'll list some bands that I'm into or was into at one point:
Tool, Meshuggah, RadioHead, Boards of Canada, Mogwai, Thom Yorke, Rob Dougan, The Beatles, Sigur Ros, A Silver Mt Zion, and so many others.
I've also been listening to a fair bit of dance, trance, electro and minimal electronica recently.
Burial, Lunar, Apparat.

Wow I need to point my media player at my last fm account again.

 

[DavidMahler]

Carlos Kleiber's reading of Beethoven's 5th Symphony and 7th symphony as well is my choice for perfect introduction for building a classical collection.

I would follow that up with a purchase of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos (I like Tafelmusik's version the most), and I'd also purchase Brahms 2 piano Concertos as performed by Emil Gilels with Eugen Jochum.

If you enjoy all those, shoot for a Mahler symphony.....start with the second symphony....there are many great recordings of this work. I happen to love Ivan Fischer's recent reading

 

[elliot42]

I really like Saint-Saens, so I'd recommend that.

My favourite compilation of classical music is the Swoon Collection 2, romantic stuff that is really pleasant to listen to. Not sure where of if it's still available, but in Australia the ABC shop has Swoon Collection Gold, which has some of the tracks that are on 2.

 

[yashicaman]

Saint-Seans would be a great start. Try the Symphony in C (for Organ and orchestra). It's a fun listen on headphones.
Mozart is good (all), Beethoven is fine (the 5th, the 7th, the 9th), Debussey, Stravinsky (Rite of Spring), Mahler (1st Symphony is a treat), Brahms, and there are lots more. Hit up the local library cd collection and enjoy.

Right now, I'm in the mood for Aaron Copeland's Fanfare for the Common Man.
You'd probably like it. And I bet you'll find it at your local library.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Try Dvorak's New World Symphony, Beethoven's 5th and Holst's Planets. You should find all of them familiar and there's good reason they're so well loved.

 

[DarkAngel]

For someone just starting I say get several basic cheap used "best of" CDs of each of the major composers, these already contain selection of best known works and allows you to get general exposure to wide variety of styles to determine what you like best, this is the first step
-Bach
-Haydn
-Mozart
-Beethoven
-Schubert
-Brahms
-Tchaikovsky
-Dvorak

Then buy used Penguin Guide to Classical Music and start buying individual versions of music you like from "best of" Cds.........enjoy the discovery process

 

[grayfoot]

Hey Ashy – I only know a few of those groups Tool, Radiohead and of course the Beatles. Maybe someone else is familiar with both classical and the groups that you are listening to now.

Based on those groups that I know, several of the suggestions above might appeal: Stravinsky (Rite of Spring), Aaron Copeland's Fanfare for the Common Man, and Holst's The Planets.

I’m also going to suggest you try something less conventional (maybe not even “classical”) ideas.

1.Apocalyptica – Enter the Sandman. They are a Cello Quartet and a drummer that plays Metallica and some other great music. Go to Last.FM to see if you like ‘em.

2.Shostakovich – String Quartet No.8 in C minor. This is not usually the first music that people think of when they think classical. It’s not sweet and relaxing. I am suggesting it because of the type of music you listen to.

3. Ennio Morricone – The Soundtrack for “The Mission.” Done by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. A lot of the newer classical composers do movie soundtracks. Think of them as the new operas.

These suggestions won’t help on a test for knowledge of classical music but I’m guessing you’ll like them. Let us know what you think and the next suggestions can be directed based on your thoughts.

 

[Ashy]

Hey grayfoot,
Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah I love the Apocalyptica - Enter the Sandman album. I'll grab the other suggestions aswell.

Thanks for the replies everyone, I'll grab a bunch of the suggestions and let you know how I go.