How to discover and learn about classical music

Posted by: Fred Mulder on 08 May 2014

I'm keen to learn about classical music, but haven't got a clue where to start.

The genre is overwhelming, unfortunally I don't have a family member or friend who is very familliar.

 

Perhaps someone can point me in the right direction/source/website to get started?? I'm also curious about the context/story behind the music.

 

kind regards, Fred

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by Clive B

I think this thread has run its course and should be terminated. The original post was about discovering the pleasure of classical music.

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by kuma:
 Did Stalin possibly have something to do with it? 

 

what did Stalin have to do with 20th century atrocities?

 

the destruction of the Russian and Austrian empires, and the so called Russian revolution - were directed from the USA, as well as the 1st World War that resulted in the 2nd World War; all this was done in the name of 'freedom' and 'humanity'.

 

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by Clive B
I think this thread has run its course and should be terminated. The original post was about discovering the pleasure of classical music.
 
Posted on: 23 May 2014 by George J
Originally Posted by sharik:
Originally Posted by kuma:
 Did Stalin possibly have something to do with it? 

 

what did Stalin have to do with 20th century atrocities?

 

the destruction of the Russian and Austrian empires, and the so called Russian revolution - were directed from the USA, as well as the 1st World War that resulted in the 2nd World War; all this was done in the name of 'freedom' and 'humanity'.

 

You really are serious for sure.

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by George J:

Lenin as well as Hitler also had no time for freedom

 

it was precisely in the name of freedom that the above mentioned did act.

 

have you ever been to school at all?

 

 

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by Clive Blackman:
I think this thread has run its course and should be terminated

stop panicking, just relax and enjoy the discussion.

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by George J
Originally Posted by sharik:
Originally Posted by George J:

Lenin as well as Hitler also had no time for freedom

 

it was precisely in the name of freedom that the above mentioned did act.

 

have you ever been to school at all?

 

 

Yes, and apparently a far more questioning and freedom loving set of institutions than any that you ever attended, my dear Stalinist. You learned your lessons well ...

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by George J:
You really are serious for sure.

yes i am.

 

 

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by George J
Originally Posted by sharik:
Originally Posted by George J:
You really are serious for sure.

yes i am.

 

 

I thought so!

 

See my last post.

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by George J:
a far more questioning and freedom loving set of institutions

it is where they put those blinkers on you, right?

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by George J

Blinkers, my dear gentleman or lady?

 

Do please explain my blinkers?

 

You will not, of course ...

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by George J:
Do please explain my blinkers?

you in Britain call it 'education' etc.

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by George J
Originally Posted by sharik:
Originally Posted by George J:

Lenin as well as Hitler also had no time for freedom

 

it was precisely in the name of freedom that the above mentioned did act.

 

have you ever been to school at all?

 

 

Please DO NOT partially quote me. Stalin was in my quoted initial post. You are well versed in twisting the point.

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by George J:
Stalin was in my quoted initial post

leave Stalin out of it, although he was with Lenin when the Bolsheviks destroyed the Russian Empire, but afterwards he changed his views and restored everything back.

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by kuma
 
Originally Posted by sharik: 
 
Originally Posted by kuma:
 Did Stalin possibly have something to do with it? 

 

what did Stalin have to do with 20th century atrocities?

 

the destruction of the Russian and Austrian empires, and the so called Russian revolution - were directed from the USA, as well as the 1st World War that resulted in the 2nd World War; all this was done in the name of 'freedom' and 'humanity'.

Okie dokie.

Time to put on Randy Newman's Political Science.

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by ChrisH
Originally Posted by Clive Blackman:
I think this thread has run its course and should be terminated. The original post was about discovering the pleasure of classical music.
 

+1

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by ChrisH:
+1

- 1

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by hafler3o
Originally Posted by George J:

Blinkers, my dear gentleman or lady?

Lol!

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by Fred Mulder

Oh boy, I have some catching up to do regarding the last 2 day's. Quite a few new reactions. I've been following this thread closely. And have discovered a lot in the meantime, it is still a bit overwhelming.

I guess my approach can be discribed as "a ten year old boy in a wild water theme park". A short summary: search for the music mentioned here, read several articles on wiki, bought 2 cd's of Ludovico Einaudi (Una Mattina and Islands), followed a dutch tv program about classical music (with very nice story telling/context), youtube has been a great source to get introduced, prepaired vacation trip with buying some large USB sticks for listening in sunny Italy, want to watch the Stradivarius movie again. When I watched it yeeeears ago, I was very fund of the beautifull violin played (was forgotten about it), etc etc. Thrilled..!!

 

Over a while, with perhaps some very basic insight, I'll probalby focus a bit more on a certain area/style. Most important, enjoying every step..!!

 

Cheers, Fred

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by David O'Higgins

My dad used to to use play (vinyl) records as an accompaniment to our family 8mm ciné films back in the 60s. The two pieces I most remember are Beethoven 6 and Schubert Piano Quintet, The Trout. To anyone who wants an introduction to the world of 'Classical' music or to introduce it to anyone else, these two would be hard to better. Discussion of choice of performance comes to second to the absolute impact of a first hearing of one these works, in my view.

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by Fred Mulder

Hmmm.. In all respect, I truly appreciate all help and tips offered: although the last page was quite less informative, this is not a competition, discussion about personal taste/views has no winners.

 

Kind regards, Fred

 

 

 

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by David O'Higgins

But Fred, all musical appreciation is personal, and deeply rooted in emotion, in my view. So there are no right or wrong answers, but we all need an introduction. I was fortunate to get it via the works mentioned, nothing more.

 

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by Fred Mulder
Originally Posted by David O'Higgins:

But Fred, all musical appreciation is personal, and deeply rooted in emotion, in my view. So there are no right or wrong answers, but we all need an introduction. I was fortunate to get it via the works mentioned, nothing more.

 

 

Hi David, I wasn't referring at your post. Sorry for the confusion. I'm a bit suprised about the discussion Sharik and George are having. I'm keen on learning how to discover classical music, (where as you mention there is no right or wrong), didn't intent to start such a debate. Again with respect.

 

Cheers, Fred

Posted on: 23 May 2014 by sharik
Originally Posted by Fred Mulder:
I'm a bit suprised about the discussion Sharik and George are having. I'm keen on learning how to discover classical music

well, here you are, this is how it goes, get used to it.

Posted on: 24 May 2014 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by George J:

I would bet that Kevin is well acquainted with all of Beethoven's symphonies!

 

Reasonably so George - 3, 5, 6 and 9 definitely. Have to say though, that I haven't hear the ninth in years (or maybe decades), even though I have a few versions on LP and CD. I've always preferred Beethoven's chamber music to his symphonies. Perhaps I should revisit one this weekend.