Classical music - Page 2

Chris Wilson · 26th January 2008

Norman Lebrecht's new book The Life and Death of Classical Music is a firsthand account of the art, business, and politics that shaped the history of the classical music recording industry. I got it for my birthday and it turned out to be one of the most important music books I've ever read.

In addition, it gives a brief explanation of (his opinion) the 100 best and 20 worst classical recordings ever made.

This book has enough information to keep you efficiently studying for a long, long time.

PT6.7UZR · 26th January 2008

Take a music appreciation class at the local community college.
It will give you a broad overview and context, which enlarges your experience and puts what you are hearing into historical perspective.

Stuff makes more sense.

It's not only about what you hear; it's about when and why it was written and what it meant to the composer and the culture at the time.

newyorker42 · 30th January 2008

Okay, this might be a little too much too fast... but if you are ready to dip into the waters of the best of the 20th and 21st century, here is my starter kit:

2021music - 20/21

I put this together for friends and others who have asked me where to start with this most diverse and "difficult" of time periods. Keep in mind there are no kid gloves here. I also didn't put together this list to mimic other critics' ideas of where to start, so there are a few unconventional choices of first pieces for some of the composers represented.

I have probably a thousand recordings of modern music, so this is just a sampling, but, I hope, a good one to get folks going.

I agree with the suggestions that you should learn the history of the composers and their times. This applies to the last 100 years as well. Listening with historical context will help you understand. However, it is also possible to love this music without understanding it first. You just have to have an open mind and ear.

Recording is most people's passion here I'd imagine... this kind of music is mine.

John

26th January 2008	#31
Chris Wilson Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 183 1 Review written	Norman Lebrecht's new book The Life and Death of Classical Music is a firsthand account of the art, business, and politics that shaped the history of the classical music recording industry. I got it for my birthday and it turned out to be one of the most important music books I've ever read. In addition, it gives a brief explanation of (his opinion) the 100 best and 20 worst classical recordings ever made. This book has enough information to keep you efficiently studying for a long, long time. __________________ Christopher Wilson

26th January 2008	#32
PT6.7UZR Gear nut Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 107	Take a music appreciation class at the local community college. It will give you a broad overview and context, which enlarges your experience and puts what you are hearing into historical perspective. Stuff makes more sense. It's not only about what you hear; it's about when and why it was written and what it meant to the composer and the culture at the time. __________________ Only a stupid man would name himself after an old version of software - then upgrade.

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30th January 2008	#33
newyorker42 Gear Head Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 67	Okay, this might be a little too much too fast... but if you are ready to dip into the waters of the best of the 20th and 21st century, here is my starter kit: 2021music - 20/21 I put this together for friends and others who have asked me where to start with this most diverse and "difficult" of time periods. Keep in mind there are no kid gloves here. I also didn't put together this list to mimic other critics' ideas of where to start, so there are a few unconventional choices of first pieces for some of the composers represented. I have probably a thousand recordings of modern music, so this is just a sampling, but, I hope, a good one to get folks going. I agree with the suggestions that you should learn the history of the composers and their times. This applies to the last 100 years as well. Listening with historical context will help you understand. However, it is also possible to love this music without understanding it first. You just have to have an open mind and ear. Recording is most people's passion here I'd imagine... this kind of music is mine. John