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Classical Music: A How-To Guide for Beginners

This will be an ongoing thread to recommend great recordings and great performances of classical music. It seems that many audiophiles have a couple pieces of classical music, but have not fully delved into the genre. This is unfortunate, because there are literally thousands of treasures to be experienced. Classical music encompasses all aspects of human emotions, and there are is something out there for everyone. People may feel intimidated by all the choices. Exploring different pieces becomes enjoyable once you have a foothold. I hope to provide that foothold for people who wish to initiate a collection of masterpieces.

A couple of references are worth mentioning. First, www.classicstoday.com is an excellent source of highly opinionated reviews. Although some may disagree with some of the reviews, there are too many sites that think everything is wonderful. For a subscription magazine, Fanfare has a broad overview of many recordings from different genres. Good sources of CDs would include Amazon (new and used), Barnes and Noble (particularly sets with a 20% off coupon), Tower Records for certain sales, and www.mdt.co.uk for imports. Yourmusic.com is an online club with good prices.

My plan is to offer recommendations as I traverse my own collection, explaining the rationale for the choices. I hope that people will go and buy some of these, and listen to the aspects I mention. I hope that this is a fun adventure, and that others will come to appreciate the beauty of the classics. I feel lucky that this music has enriched my life, and I am always happy to share in some knowledge and experience. The software is inexpensive, so perhaps people would appreciate that chance to explore new music rather than fret about the latest power cord.
rtn1
tgyeti
83 posts
 
I'll speak in broader terms and not suggest any actual recordings. I'd recommend people listen to "chamber music" classical music as it's easier to "digest", IMO. A fewer number of instruments, less cluttered.

Per Wikipedia:

Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part. The word "chamber" signifies that the music can be performed in a small room, often in a private salon with an intimate atmosphere. However, it usually does not include, by definition, solo instrument performances.
bdgregory
1,580 posts
 
great thread! keep it coming (for is novices)

By the way, I agree with Tgyeti - Chamber music is easier to digest in my experience, but it's also fund to have the "chamber" be in your listening room. I find most orchestra music recordings don't image as well.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,611 posts
 
Consider starting your Classical music adventure with Mozart's symphonies conducted by MacKerras on Telarc. Energetic performances with fine sound and melodies that are so accessible you'll be hooked in no time.

For the more adventurous, Shostakovich's symphonies 4,5,7,9,15 conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy. No one else gets the complexities of intellect and emotion in Shosty's stuff like Ashkenazy.
ojgalli
165 posts
 
For beginners nothing is scarier than 20th century music. All that atonal stuff is difficult enough for musicians. But, there's way more to 20th century concert music than serialism or bizarre "crash and bang" experimental sonic art.

1) Rachmaninov, Symphonic Dances and the Piano Concerti
2) Khachaturian, Symphonies (No. 3 is lots of fun)
3) Respighi, Ancient Airs and Dances, Queen of Sheba

These are examples of 20th century composers who wrote music for pleasure rather than an intellectual exercise. (Love Shostakovich, but for beginners??? Prokofiev maybe.)

One of the great early 20th century pieces, The Planets by Gustav Holst.

Another good place to start are recordings by the Kronos Quartet, adventurous, yet accessible.
rtn1 OP
535 posts
 
Horowitz. Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon.

Vladamir Horowitz is one of the best pianists of the 20th century. Here, you can have about 6 hours of music in a box set at bargain price.

Why is he so good?

One thing is his total control of the piano. He can play the most complicated passages, at any speed of his choosing, effortlessly. Not only does he hit all the keys, but he shapes the note to give intonation and depth to a piece.

Another aspect is his uncanny approach to rhythm and intonation, and his ability to create each piece anew. Even if you have heard these pieces before, he makes them so fresh and natural.

One last attribute is his ability to have fun. You can hear how he is enjoying himself. He plays not just for the audience or for perfection, but also for his own pleasure. Watch some videos on youtube, and look at his facial expression.

Be sure to read the notes inside. After reading about his Moscow concert, you can truly appreciate the electricity and excitement in the air.

This set is priceless. It is a wonderful introduction to the piano.
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