We could list 10 or 100, but they may not include the kinds of music you enjoy. Start by taking a look at some of these Audiogon threads. You'll find lots of suggestions. And here are additional links to other classical music recommendations further down in the same thread. If you then have some specific questions, fire away! |
Rather than a tired old subjective account of someone else's taste, ask this question: 'what are 10 great aspects of classical music that can be investigated'. I'll begin: 1. Pre-baroque composition (such as consort music) 2. 12-Tone/serialist composition 3. Large scale baroque works 4. Solo instrumental work 5. Choir arrangement 6. Electro-acoustic music 7. Chamber music (after the 17th century) 8. Influence of popular folk forms 9. Influence of political movements 10. Visionary and eccentric composers Part of the fun is asking yourself why these terms are used, and if they are valid. I must admit, I made some of them up. |
If you've just started listening to classical music, you would not be concerned terribly with what performers give "the best" or "greatest" interpretations. Besides, that's always a matter of opinion. The same is true for the greatest lps or the greatest individual pieces of music. Even a list of 10 great (if not THE greatest) pieces will vary to some extent among classical lovers. Let's say that I recommend you listen to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which many consider to be at the pinnacle among great works. Hopefully, you would make a good effort to hear it through to its finish. It typically takes at least an hour to perform, so prepare yourself for "an experience". You might begin by trying an overture to get a briefer taste for what's to come, maybe Rossini's Barber of Seville, Brahms' Academic Festival or Wagner's Tannhauser. If you like the violin, try Mendelssohn's Concerto. For the piano, either Tchaikovsky's First Concerto or Mozart's Concerto No. 21. Then there's Dvorak's Cello Concerto, a wonderfully musical piece. When it comes to other symphonies, you might want to explore Brahms' Second, Rachmaninoff's Second, Tchaikovsky's Fourth and Dvorak's Eighth. Finally, Cerot(above) mentions Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, a charming and dynamic work. And if you're fascinated by or curious about a particular title, go for it. Good luck and good listening! |
