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.
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.