I'm sitting here at some trendy cafe in Istanbul. They're playing classical music and I said to my girlfriend, "We don't listen to enough classical music. In fact, we don't listen to any classical music. I wouldn't know where to start."
So, anyone on here listen to classical music? Any suggestions? I realize it's a pretty broad field but you know...
Since today is a vernal equinox, why not start with Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring....and listen to the section that Williams "borrowed” for the movie Jaws
I'm a big fan of Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven. Usually I find that if there's one of those classical pieces that everyone talks about and has become "cliched" or seems overly praised there's a reason, they're masterpieces. Check out Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, very different. I don't really know what it is you're looking for (orchestral, choir music, quartets, chamber music etc.) Like you said it's an incredibley huge "genre" (really many genres that are lumped into one called "classical"). Chopin's pretty cool as well, and Bach's organ pieces are mind blowing. Not claiming to be an expert, but I'm definately not uninitiated to "classical" music. To someone new to it I'd recommend checking out <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.kickassclassical.com/">http://www.kickassclassical.com/</a><!-- m --> . Great site for anyone unsure about classical. If you ever get a chance or have a free night check out a live orchestra. I saw the TSO through school a couple of times and it's definately an experience.
Mozart is my guy. The diversity of his music is extraordinay, you will be hooked.
Some personal recommendations
Beethoven: Piano Sonata no. 14, c sharp minor - Op. 27 no 2 "Quasi una fantasia” (better known as the "Moonlight Sonata") - this might be the most stirring piece of music I've ever encountered. Overall, I enjoy more of Beethoven's work than any other composer
Mozart: He did sooo much...he has over 600 compositions. I'm partial to his Concertos and Chamber Music, but some fo his Sacred compositions (esp. his "masses") are awe-inspiring.
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1 is gorgeous. And the Swan Lake Suite and Nutcracker Suite are classic, recognizable masterpieces.
Bach: I'm not a big on Baroque style (the harpsichord isn't exactly a "pretty" sounding instrument, imo), but really appreciate some of JSB's Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin
The Horrible Esthete Wrote:Some personal recommendations
Beethoven: Piano Sonata no. 14, c sharp minor - Op. 27 no 2 "Quasi una fantasia” (better known as the "Moonlight Sonata") - this might be the most stirring piece of music I've ever encountered. Overall, I enjoy more of Beethoven's work than any other composer
Mozart: He did sooo much...he has over 600 compositions. I'm partial to his Concertos and Chamber Music, but some fo his Sacred compositions (esp. his "masses") are awe-inspiring.
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1 is gorgeous. And the Swan Lake Suite and Nutcracker Suite are classic, recognizable masterpieces.
Bach: I'm not a big on Baroque style (the harpsichord isn't exactly a "pretty" sounding instrument, imo), but really appreciate some of JSB's Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin
I could not agree more.
I am so very impressed !!! :thumb: