Classical for a n00b?

[mikeyj23]

Originally Posted by Alyks

In addition to some of the names mentioned above: Stravinsky, Varese, Mendelson, Schomberg, Berlioz, Brahms, Liszt, Mahler, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Schumanns and (my personal favorite) Frank Zappa. That's a 'short' list of some essential listening. Due to lack of time right now I can't recommend any specific works by these individuals, but I can come back with further suggestions if you'd like, or of course if someone else wants to fill in some names of works have at it.

Not sure that Varese, Schonberg, Berlioz and Lizst are all classical for noobs, but to each their own...

[MadAl]

Bernstein's Favorites, he conducts orchestras featuring a variety of composers. Always listenable.

[bobarian]

I will second the reverend's suggestion to visit your local public library. Most have a good selection of Classical CD's for you to check out.

[Trumpet]

Generally, most "noobs" do well with late Baroque (Bach, Vivaldi) and early to mid Classical (Mozart and Haydn). The music of the classical era is usually more homophonic (think melody and harmony) with tuneful melodies and pleasing harmonies. Earlier Baroque is polyphonic (two or more different parts of equal importance being played at the same time...don't confuse it with "polyphonic ringtones" because they're not) and can be overwhelming.

Be very careful when buying CDs whatever. A lot of the "standard" recordings are absolute crap (out of date performance practice, sub par playing, etc). Some orchestras and conductors are famous for their renditions. For example...

Beethoven Symophonies: If you can look for Vienna with Carlos Kleiber conducting. Kleiber is arguably the best for interpreting Beethoven's symphonic works

Beethoven Piano: Daniel Barenboim is fantastic.

Bach: Orchestra of St. Luke's does a wonderful job on his works.

Wagner: Although not a "glory" orchestra like NY or Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera orchestra is IMO by far the best.

For strings, the Cleveland Orchestra, Berlin, or Vienna are fantastic. For violin soloists look for anything with Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg. She's unreal.