Classical Music

[MikeT66]

A bit of an odd one this, so apologies if it comes out a bit, well, stupid.

I've found myself listening to fair bit of classical music recently, finding some real magic in the scope, melodies and phrasing and would like to extend my knowledge and ear for the 'genre' (I say that, but am aware that to lump ALL Classical Music together in one basket is erroneous).

I've been a die-hard rock fan from a very early age (thanks to a mother that listened to AC/DC, Led Zep, Hendrix, etc in the 70's), and from there went on to discover blues, jazz, etc. Thanks to a father that had a penchant for more suave tastes, I also found I had a bit of a liking for Dean Martin, Crosby, late Presley, etc. From there I found early Rock n Roll, Johnny Cash, all the way through to some Psychobilly. From Mrs.T66 I've discovered industrial dance (Prodigy, etc), but find myself totally at a loss as to where to start with broadening my Classical music library.

Yes, I've got some generic mixed classical stuff (all-the-greatest-hits type CDs) so know many of the usual pieces from Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Mozart, etc. I don't have endless funds to blow on numerous CDs either, sadly, so am wary of just heading out and buying stuff at random in the hope that I like it.

So - any advice on where I go next to find more classical stuff that may appeal?

[MikeT66]

languagetimothy said:

I play guitar in a pub/party band but from an early age I used to go to classical concerts with my parents. These were usually popular pieces rather than long dramatic things. I had piano lessons as a youngster too and my mother sang a lot (clasicallly trained and still can do it in her eighties!)
All this eventually gave me quite a broad taste in music. I'm happy to listen to Radiohead as I am to a Mozart violin concerto for example. In my car the radio is usually tuned to Classic FM, this may be a good starting point for you. Their website also gives playlists so maybe you can have a look there too.

If from a technical point of view I also like listening to what the various instruments are doing away from the main theme /
Melody and often Mess around on garage pound trying to reproduce bits by picking out the instruments but that's another story.

Enjoy, there's some fantastic stuff out there.

That's good advice, and sort of what I've been doing - listening to Radio 3 and trying to write down the pieces that catch my ear. Looking at Playlists is a good idea - I didn't think of that. Thank you.

[kowalski655]

Another vote here for Classic FM
They tend to the more mainstream stuff,I believe,whereas Radio 3 might be more of a 4 hour experimental piece featuring tin cans, hoovers,and Mongolian throat singing Not that they dont do more well known stuff too

Also Youtube has a bit I thnk.Maybe start with Gregorian Chants(very relaxing) & work forward
And dont ignore modern stuff,especially film type scores, thyey can be impressive,its not all tin cans & hoovers

But just like what YOU like, no one can call you on it...Im all for believing that here is no bad music, just stuff that *I* dont like personally (except for stuff from th X Factor,thats all ste )

[MikeT66]

kowalski655 said:

Another vote here for Classic FM
They tend to the more mainstream stuff,I believe,whereas Radio 3 might be more of a 4 hour experimental piece featuring tin cans, hoovers,and Mongolian throat singing

Funnily enough, I think they've just played that one...

Only on Radio 3 at the moment due the vagaries of DAB - Radio 2+3 are the only ones I can access from where I am (Manchester, so out of reach of a decent DAB signal). Will try Classic FM later, though.

Edited to add:
Great point about film scores, too. Love the Mind Heist Theme from Inception, and Ave Satani from the Omen among many others.

Edited by MikeT66 on Friday 28th October 12:16

[Fastpedeller]

I just wish great music wasn't used for TV ads or similar (I guess no royalties so low cost?). Cadbury's Fruit and Nut ruined a great piece of music forever

[adamInca]

Not strictly classical, but I listen to a lot of 'cinematic' stuff. Check out Two Steps From Hell, Future World Music, Really Slow Motion, Thomas Bergersen, and E.S Posthumus.
Ludovico Einaudi, again while not truly in the classical genre is an amazing composer - check out In A Time Lapse.
How about getting a few months' subscription to a streaming music service so you can try loads of stuff with little outlay?

Edited to add suggestions

Edited by adamInca on Friday 28th October 15:41

[MikeT66]

Ennio Morricone has written some fantastic stuff - I love Once Upon A Time In The West and the score to my favourite movie of all - Malena. I'm a bit lapse in checking out his other works, probably.

Some good suggestions there, too, adamInca - I'll look into the streaming idea and have a nosey at those other suggestions of yours.

Lastly, I've lost count of the numerous adverts that have ruined music forever - Santana's Samba Pa Ti the worst.

Thanks to all who have offered ideas - at least I can start to explore.

[GetCarter]

Fastpedeller said:

I just wish great music wasn't used for TV ads or similar (I guess no royalties so low cost?). Cadbury's Fruit and Nut ruined a great piece of music forever

Composers get royalties for 70 years after their death. For that time, their estate gets paid. After that it's royalty free.

Can I have mine before I die please?

ETA to the O/P - I'm more into Baroque music, which was the style before Classical and kinda' wrote the rule book. Handel being a fav, but Bach being the daddy. Too mathematical for some, but just perfect to others (me). Nothing will ever get close, as this was where it (proper) started.

Can you comprehend that the first time Bach heard this stuff was when it was performed (to the bloke paying). Before that, it was only in his head. And nearly 300 years ago with no fking light bulbs!

Mental.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLj_gMBqHX8

Edited by GetCarter on Friday 28th October 15:43

[jimmytheone]

Charity shop CD's - best of compilations are a good starting point at 50p - £1

Although Radio3 and shazam is another way of capturing stuff you like and hunting it down later.

[geezerbutler]

I often test-drive stuff on YouTube before buying. The great thing about classical music is that classical music CDs can be had really cheaply. It's the newer stuff that tends to be full price. I don't buy a lot of current music, but I'm quite keen on ambient music, so I'm currently listening to quite a bit of Max Richter.