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I want to get into Classical music. Where do I start?

21st Vinyl

21st Vinyl

New Member
I've heard some beautiful Classical music recently (for example and from another thread: Duetto in D Major: I. Allegro" by Rolf Döhler). I've also been a fan of Debussy.

So, I'd like to start exploring Classical, just not sure where to start. I don't own any, but I'm open to picking up some vinyl or CDs. I guess my preference is vinyl.

Any suggestions?
 
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There are just so many composers and so many works that it's hard to recommend where to start. It also depends a lot on what you personally might like. There are many different kinds of works -- symphonies, concertos for solo instrument with orchestra, piano sonatas, piano and violin works, string quartets; the list goes on.

The kinds of things I'm likely to listen to now aren't necessarily the same as what I listened to when I first started buying classical records. I guess I can say that some of the first things I started with were Bach, Mozart, Beethoven -- 1700s and 1800s. Maybe Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, Beethoven Symphonies (#3, 5, 7, 9), Mozart Symphonies (#39, 40, 41) for starters.
 
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Well, wait - you mentioned Debussy. Also, what are you looking for - orchestral, small group (chamber music), pianists? Any particular instruments? Any preferences to start with?
 
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21st Vinyl said:
Thanks, Bravo. Cuse here, also! Thanks for the reply!

Going to scour the flea market next weekend.
Click to expand...

If you're in Syracuse, you might want to go to Books and Melodies on James St. in Eastwood. Go downstairs and you'll find lots and lots of classical LPs -- I'm pretty sure last time I bought some there it was $1.50 each!
 
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I started collecting LP classical records around 5 years ago. I started with around 20. I now have 300 plus. All kinds of music and labels. I would say a very nice collection. Classic music is a Genre that doesn't get much play so the LP's are very nice. Many you can tell hardly played at all due to the spindle hole being tight and few scratches and pops. All the best classic labels too. Angel, DGG, RCA, and many others.
Also the greatest groups like Chicago symphony, London Symphony, etc. I usually start a cycle of playing my assortment starting at "A" then going down to Tchaikovsky and anything between.
I can remember many and hum along.
 
I can think of a couple of ways for you to begin:

(1) Branch out from what you already like or know something about.
Example A - If you start with a recording of Debussy you like, you could find another Debussy recording and learn more about what Debussy composed - OR - read a bit about Debussy and find out who influenced Debussy or was influenced by him, and then get a recording of one of their pieces - OR - look for a recording by the same orchestra or with the same conductor as a Debussy recording you already know and like, and listen to it. Where do the same performers take you when they are playing something else, perhaps not by Debussy?
Example B - Think about the instruments that seem most stirring to you in the classical pieces you know so far, and look for recordings with featured soloists who play those instruments. After you have followed this line of inquiry through a few recordings you will inevitably be led to a variety of other kinds of classical pieces.

(2) Consider eclectic or random exploration.
As you browse other recordings of classical music, look for things that seem very different in subject matter, instrumentation, or cultural origins and contexts from the pieces you already know. This can actually be rather fun. Each step in this kind of listening can be full of surprises. Eventually, you'll find yourself making connections between your experiences as a listener to these diverse examples.
 
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Besides the great recommendations you will get from AK I would like to also add a great set that is RCA Red Label equivalent sound quality.

You get a great piece from each composer along with a booklet that has sketches of information regarding each composer.

It’s a great entry into the vast world of classical music and it’s history.

Music Of The Worlds Greatest Composers set.

Readers Digest~1959

Enjoy the classical journey!

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Another great set is The Baroque Era
Which was a Time Life/Angel Records and has a beautifully illustrated booklet and listeners guide to the recordings.

The Baroque Era~Time Life Records
1966

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Great suggestions! Here there is another one, with the plus of great SQ and superb invited conductors:

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I'm Currently doing the same.....music choice on most cable lineups lets you audition and give you the names. I am finding "today's classical playlist" here useful. I peruse and then stream on my I Phone via bluetooth to see what I might actually like to own.
 
Don’t forget to look at the CD areas in resale stores.

You can get great deals, sometimes
$1.00 for great records or CD’s.

I have found some great CD sets for $1.00 and listen to those in my car.

Ha! I like to crank Holst The Planets in my car!
 
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