Classical for a n00b?

[Seanohue]

For some reason, I have a strange need to hear classical music. Where do I start?

[rumballs]

I have no idea what composers you might like or whether this is a good place to start, but my favorite is Rachmaninov, FWIW...

[sanfrantreat]

The radio, they play all sorts and when you hear one you like wait for the announcer to let you know what the name and composer is.

[BigFrankMD]

If your in Maryland at the moment I can recommend a good station on FM.

[Seanohue]

Originally Posted by mmblz

I have no idea what composers you might like or whether this is a good place to start, but my favorite is Rachmaninov, FWIW...

Ok, what songs should I look at? I guess I should start mainstream and work from there.

Originally Posted by r-ice

The radio, they play all sorts and when you hear one you like wait for the announcer to let you know what the name and composer is.

AFAIK, there is no classical station where I'm at.

Originally Posted by BigFrankMD

If your in Maryland at the moment I can recommend a good station on FM.

Nope, not till May 23

[Ace$nyper]

Well, I could be listed as a noob myself but what do you like more upbeat, slower. Any intruments you enjoy?

I like Handel reminds me of Castlevania music

[pnoon]

I just found this.
http://classicalwebcast.com/
I know nothing about it other than it came up when I googled "classical radio via internet"

[Seanohue]

Originally Posted by Ace$nyper

Well, I could be listed as a noob myself but what do you like more upbeat, slower. Any intruments you enjoy?

I like Handel reminds me of Castlevania music

Upbeat, and I prefer stringed instruments.

[St. Lou Stu]

Originally Posted by Seanohue

For some reason, I have a strange need to hear classical music. Where do I start?

Start here bro.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sound/list

Decent mixture of different composers.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Seanohue

Upbeat, and I prefer stringed instruments.

The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

[rumballs]

Originally Posted by Seanohue

Upbeat, and I prefer stringed instruments.

Nevermind Rachmaninov then - he is dramatic, brooding, etc.
Symphony #2 is a good start if you are interested though...

[RevSmoke]

Go to you local public library. Pick up some of the classics - Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Hayden, Chopin, Handel.

There are symphonies - many instruments.
String ensembles, (quartets, etc..)
things that allow a certain instrument to be featured (piano, harpsichord, flute, clarinet, etc...)
Choral pieces

The library is great because all you have expended is time. Radio is cool too, but you are their whim and their commercials. If you're not listening closely, you may not even discover what you were listening to.

[replicant_argent]

download itunes if you don't have it, (free dl), and click the radio link, they have at least thirty diff classical stations, as well as much much more.
play around a bit.
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/ipod_itunes/

[gvarsity]

http://www.pandora.com/

start a classical station. You won't be able to hear entire symphonies in order but you can get a selection of classical music quickly and for free. It also allows you to "tune" the stations to your preferences. If you like a particular piece hit the thumbs up and you'll get more like it thumbs down you'll get less of that style.

I assume you know this but you have to remember that classical music is as broader genre than say rock where you have sub categories of punk and metal and what have you. You may really enjoy some types and not others. There are variations in both period romantic, baroque, modern etc... as well as format be it symphonies or concertos or chamber music etc... That doesn't even get into the distinctions of different arrangements and orchestras playing the music.

As a recommendation of a place to start I personally have been a fan of about any Mozart composition particularly the 40th and 41st "Jupiter" symphonies. Without doubt a musical genius. The problem for me with classical music is that I can not do other things while listening to it because it captures your attention in such a way where to actually listen to it you can not multi-task. (only a problem in that I don't often have time to just listen to music)

[McCharlie]

Station 80 on sirius radio is a good one, if you have sirius .