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Classical music for beginners:
A list of recommended pieces
| What's the intention of this list?
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When trying to get familiar with a genre of music that you aren't used to, complete guidelines and detailed overviews often aren't of much help. You might end up with hundrets of examples and recomendations, with a flood of information that isn't of any use to you.
In my oppinion, the best way to find out what's interesting for you, and what you'd like to know more about, is simply LISTENING - This list is meant to give you some possible starting points for doing so. The rest is up to you...
| Under what aspects was this list compiled? |
- I have tried to pick only the most accessible works that are rather easy for first-time-listeners. So please don't regard this as a 'Best of classic'-compilation!
- In order to keep the list small, I limited it to 12 entries (which caused me quite a headache...).
- I included at least one composer from each period of classical music (although Gershwin as example for 'modern' might be regarded as cheating...)
- Compositions from the romantic period are often found to be most accessible and thus I concentrated on these.
- Only one example for each composer
- Taking all these points into account, I followed my personal taste.
I'd suggest that you pick one of the examples below - maybe one of a composer or a period that's of interest to you. If you aren't sure, I'd suggest to start with the romantic period.
Pick a piece, listen and see what you can make of it (For a first impression, the resources listed below should provide hundrets of audio-examples. But keep in mind that you can *never* judge a complex classical work by a short excerpt!). Remember that good music often requires multiple listening!
If you have found something that pleases you, move further on in that direction: check out other works of the same composer, try other composers from the same period. Get some background information and recommedations for further listening (see links below).
If your example *doesn't* work for you (and after giving it a second try...), you should try moving to another period: If you don't enjoy Bach, try something classical or romantic!
If you hate all 12 examples - well, at least you've tried...
For all those who want further recommendations or are simply interested, the Full list is now available. It includes about 30 pieces that I originally considered for this list.
You might also want to look at other, similar lists - check out the resources pointed out below.
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