Classical music suggestions?
October 18, 2005 7:31 PM Subscribe
ClassicalMusicFilter: I know very little about classical music, and I was just thinking how nice it would be to have some playing whilst I'm sitting here reading. What'd be some nice chilled evening classical music?
I guess I'm looking for anything accessible but not cheesy or greatest hits. I'm not going to understand the nuances of different conductors/ performances etc of the same piece so that's not so important. I like pianos a lot, but I'm open to anything - my local library has a great collection, so hopefully I'll be able to pick up some of your recommendations there.
I guess I'm looking for anything accessible but not cheesy or greatest hits. I'm not going to understand the nuances of different conductors/ performances etc of the same piece so that's not so important. I like pianos a lot, but I'm open to anything - my local library has a great collection, so hopefully I'll be able to pick up some of your recommendations there.
Satie's Sarabandes are a favorite of mine.
posted by PinkStainlessTail at 7:42 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by PinkStainlessTail at 7:42 PM on October 18, 2005
Try Beethoven's sixth symphony, the Pastorale. Very nice.
posted by jdroth at 7:46 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by jdroth at 7:46 PM on October 18, 2005
You might like Baroque music. It's pleasant as background music, not bombastic, and nice to read to. It's pretty much as intrusive as you want it to be. Check out Joseph Haydn, Telemann, Handel, and Purcell.
posted by interrobang at 7:50 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by interrobang at 7:50 PM on October 18, 2005
For the cultivated musical equivalent of a power-nap, try Satie's Trois Gymnopedies.
For an all-nighter, you'll need his more famous Vexations.
Also, can't go wrong with trances induced by Philip Glass. John Cage did early works for piano that would be right up your alley as well, and are collected in a fine box set I believe.
posted by electric_counterpoint at 7:51 PM on October 18, 2005
For an all-nighter, you'll need his more famous Vexations.
Also, can't go wrong with trances induced by Philip Glass. John Cage did early works for piano that would be right up your alley as well, and are collected in a fine box set I believe.
posted by electric_counterpoint at 7:51 PM on October 18, 2005
I second the Bach Cello Suites (played by Yo Yo Ma)... Chopin Nocturnes are nice, as are Bach English or French Suites (piano solo).
Mozart's Clarinet Quintet is AMAZING.
posted by kdern at 8:37 PM on October 18, 2005
Mozart's Clarinet Quintet is AMAZING.
posted by kdern at 8:37 PM on October 18, 2005
Well, I just bought a new release: a recording of four Mozart violin sonatas by Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu. It's quite good. Hahn's an incredible violinist -- although, rather like Diana Krall, it's considered hip to dislike her because she's an attractive young lady.
A few days ago, I recommended a Bach string quartet.
posted by cribcage at 8:39 PM on October 18, 2005
A few days ago, I recommended a Bach string quartet.
posted by cribcage at 8:39 PM on October 18, 2005
Also - check out Mahler's 5th symphony, the slow movement (Adagietto, 4th movement, I think). Really beautiful.
posted by kdern at 8:53 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by kdern at 8:53 PM on October 18, 2005
Beethoven's quartets are fantastic.
The performance can matter, actually, because especially because for instance sometimes great liberties are taken with, for instance, the speed, which is hard not to notice.
posted by abcde at 9:28 PM on October 18, 2005
The performance can matter, actually, because especially because for instance sometimes great liberties are taken with, for instance, the speed, which is hard not to notice.
posted by abcde at 9:28 PM on October 18, 2005
just buy the entire Lord of the Ring score, they have one disc for each movie
posted by airnxtz at 9:42 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by airnxtz at 9:42 PM on October 18, 2005
Angela Hewitt playing Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 or Book 2 - each one is a two-disk set published by Hyperion. Don't worry, she's playing a piano, not a giant honkin' pipe organ.
posted by GoatCactus at 10:23 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by GoatCactus at 10:23 PM on October 18, 2005
try some opera instead -- Le Nozze di Figaro's cd (the one conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini) is a flawless, shining example of opera's beauty (and of Mozart's, and Giulini's talent). it's also quite cheap, 18.99 on amazon.com
if you've seen The Shawshank Redemption, the duettino sull'aria Che Soave Zefiretto will sound familiar (even if the movie used Karl Böhm's version, not Giulini's)
posted by matteo at 10:24 PM on October 18, 2005
if you've seen The Shawshank Redemption, the duettino sull'aria Che Soave Zefiretto will sound familiar (even if the movie used Karl Böhm's version, not Giulini's)
posted by matteo at 10:24 PM on October 18, 2005
It's worth spending more than less with classical music--recordings differ widely.
posted by bardic at 10:26 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by bardic at 10:26 PM on October 18, 2005
you can listen to the duettino here (page with sound)
posted by matteo at 10:27 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by matteo at 10:27 PM on October 18, 2005
We are having the Bach cello suites in our wedding. They're really good. You should listen to them.
You should try Pablo Casals' version as well as Yo-Yo Ma's, to see whose you like better, or to have them both. My classically-trained guy and I are huge fans of the Casals and after listening to that, the Ma (which we also have) sounds less alive, somehow. The downside is that it's an older recording so there's some static and buzz, which may or may not distract you.
He says Beethoven is very accessible, as well. I don't know if he has anything in particular in mind; I'll make him come answer if he does.
posted by librarina at 10:46 PM on October 18, 2005
You should try Pablo Casals' version as well as Yo-Yo Ma's, to see whose you like better, or to have them both. My classically-trained guy and I are huge fans of the Casals and after listening to that, the Ma (which we also have) sounds less alive, somehow. The downside is that it's an older recording so there's some static and buzz, which may or may not distract you.
He says Beethoven is very accessible, as well. I don't know if he has anything in particular in mind; I'll make him come answer if he does.
posted by librarina at 10:46 PM on October 18, 2005
The first classical (baroque) music I really felt a connection with was Vivaldi. It's very accessible and some of it may already sound familiar to you. It is good to listen to The Four Seasons anytime of year, but there are many other Vivaldi compositions to explore. Sadly, many were lost.
posted by quadog at 11:23 PM on October 18, 2005
posted by quadog at 11:23 PM on October 18, 2005
airnxtz > just buy the entire Lord of the Ring score, they have one disc for each movie
aaarghh, that's pseudo classical, and very horrible music.
this is an okay start.
posted by Substrata at 2:25 AM on October 19, 2005
aaarghh, that's pseudo classical, and very horrible music.
this is an okay start.
posted by Substrata at 2:25 AM on October 19, 2005
It's hard to mess up Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade. It's not so much background music, although it can be; I prefer to listen to it actively, though.
posted by ikkyu2 at 2:39 AM on October 19, 2005
posted by ikkyu2 at 2:39 AM on October 19, 2005
If you like piano a lot, you'll probably really like Chopin's "Etudes, Preludes, & Polonaises". Really, any of his piano work is great, but I find these consistently fun and accessible. Maybe Bach's "2&3 Part Inventions" as well.
Beethoven's symphonies (esp. 5 & 9) are super popular, and for good reason, so perhaps you'll enjoy that kind big sound. Maybe that's a bit much for "chilled evening" music ;)
Really, though, you can't go too wrong by just exploring. Try collections of piano sonatas or concertos or whatever by composers you've heard of. You'll probably quickly develop a sense for what you like. Every suggestion here is good, so with a little listenening, you can soon be a classical music snob with insufferable attitudes about everything anyone listens to! (that's a joke, btw, unless you actually become one)
posted by abingham at 4:29 AM on October 19, 2005
Beethoven's symphonies (esp. 5 & 9) are super popular, and for good reason, so perhaps you'll enjoy that kind big sound. Maybe that's a bit much for "chilled evening" music ;)
Really, though, you can't go too wrong by just exploring. Try collections of piano sonatas or concertos or whatever by composers you've heard of. You'll probably quickly develop a sense for what you like. Every suggestion here is good, so with a little listenening, you can soon be a classical music snob with insufferable attitudes about everything anyone listens to! (that's a joke, btw, unless you actually become one)
posted by abingham at 4:29 AM on October 19, 2005
Looking for things you can just chill to, that also reward more careful attention when you're in the mood for it. OK.
Pre-classical. I love baroque music but long swaths of solo keyboard (or any solo instrument from the period) can get pretty tiresome, so:
JS Bach, Harpsichord Concertos. Here you have harpsichord - which is ideal for realizing the clean lines of baroque writing but can really get tiresome solo - playing with an orchestra that fills out the sound very nicely and give a welcome sense of variety. But it still sounds chamber-sized, and makes a pleasant accompaniment when you're reading or thinking about something else.
Check out two of Bach's sons, also. They are bridging the gap from the baroque to the classical and I find that balance to be particularly enjoyable.
CPE Bach, Symphonies and Concertos. Again, these are very mannered and make fine background music but you'll find some really clever stuff if you listen carefully; C.P.E. Bach was a master of the unexpected and there's nothing quite like those moments in his music where there's a brief pause and you know that just about anything could happen next.
JC Bach's Symphonies. These have everything to do with Mozart and very little to do with the baroque sound at all. Loads of charming melodies.
Properly in the classical period:
Haydn's Piano Trios are the perfect thing. Haydn was not a virtuoso pianist like the other big names of the classical period, but he did amazing piano writing in these. The sound is slightly plushed out by the violin and cello, and of course Haydn is famous for his playful sense of give and take in chamber writing. I listen to these tirelessly.
Mozart's flute quartets and string trios - particularly lovely sound in the former if you like flute; some of Mozart's best three-voice part writing in the latter.
Mendelssohn's octet is one very well-known chamber work that just never wears out its welcome. You've gotta have this, especially when you can get it coupled with an equally masterful piano trio.
Skipping lightly over that other period, two from the twentieth century:
Poulenc chamber pieces. Pieces for piano and various wind groupings. All of them are, well, there's no better word than pretty. Unbelievably pretty. There's not a hint of twentieth century ugliness anywhere near these; Poulenc was an excellent tunesmith and you'll find these instantly memorable. And the variety in instrumentation is a plus.
George Enescu's three piano suites. These are solo piano pieces that range from something very like JS Bach to full, almost impressionist harmonies. Nearly indescribable and not too well-known because they are god-awful hard to play, so the effortless sound on this recording makes it a particular gem.
There are so many more I'd like to mention! (Especially Schubert's last piano sonatas.) Definitely go scavenge your library, and also check out the Naxos web site. They have a vast catalog and you can listen to the first 25% of any track on any of their CDs. For a long work, that's a significant chunk of music and it's far more helpful than the 30-second clips you get from most sites.
posted by Wolfdog at 5:16 AM on October 19, 2005 [5 favorites]
Pre-classical. I love baroque music but long swaths of solo keyboard (or any solo instrument from the period) can get pretty tiresome, so:
JS Bach, Harpsichord Concertos. Here you have harpsichord - which is ideal for realizing the clean lines of baroque writing but can really get tiresome solo - playing with an orchestra that fills out the sound very nicely and give a welcome sense of variety. But it still sounds chamber-sized, and makes a pleasant accompaniment when you're reading or thinking about something else.
Check out two of Bach's sons, also. They are bridging the gap from the baroque to the classical and I find that balance to be particularly enjoyable.
CPE Bach, Symphonies and Concertos. Again, these are very mannered and make fine background music but you'll find some really clever stuff if you listen carefully; C.P.E. Bach was a master of the unexpected and there's nothing quite like those moments in his music where there's a brief pause and you know that just about anything could happen next.
JC Bach's Symphonies. These have everything to do with Mozart and very little to do with the baroque sound at all. Loads of charming melodies.
Properly in the classical period:
Haydn's Piano Trios are the perfect thing. Haydn was not a virtuoso pianist like the other big names of the classical period, but he did amazing piano writing in these. The sound is slightly plushed out by the violin and cello, and of course Haydn is famous for his playful sense of give and take in chamber writing. I listen to these tirelessly.
Mozart's flute quartets and string trios - particularly lovely sound in the former if you like flute; some of Mozart's best three-voice part writing in the latter.
Mendelssohn's octet is one very well-known chamber work that just never wears out its welcome. You've gotta have this, especially when you can get it coupled with an equally masterful piano trio.
Skipping lightly over that other period, two from the twentieth century:
Poulenc chamber pieces. Pieces for piano and various wind groupings. All of them are, well, there's no better word than pretty. Unbelievably pretty. There's not a hint of twentieth century ugliness anywhere near these; Poulenc was an excellent tunesmith and you'll find these instantly memorable. And the variety in instrumentation is a plus.
George Enescu's three piano suites. These are solo piano pieces that range from something very like JS Bach to full, almost impressionist harmonies. Nearly indescribable and not too well-known because they are god-awful hard to play, so the effortless sound on this recording makes it a particular gem.
There are so many more I'd like to mention! (Especially Schubert's last piano sonatas.) Definitely go scavenge your library, and also check out the Naxos web site. They have a vast catalog and you can listen to the first 25% of any track on any of their CDs. For a long work, that's a significant chunk of music and it's far more helpful than the 30-second clips you get from most sites.
posted by Wolfdog at 5:16 AM on October 19, 2005 [5 favorites]
Incidentally, about this:
It's worth spending more than less with classical music--recordings differ widely.
I would say it's worth spending wisely with classical music--recordings differ widely but quality does not always correlate with price.
posted by Wolfdog at 5:33 AM on October 19, 2005
It's worth spending more than less with classical music--recordings differ widely.
I would say it's worth spending wisely with classical music--recordings differ widely but quality does not always correlate with price.
posted by Wolfdog at 5:33 AM on October 19, 2005
iTunes' Classical Music charts are a great way to see if theres anywhere in particular your classical music tastes lie, and then explore from there. In my year working for a classical label doing online marketing (part of the reason I'm not recommending anything in particular here) I've found classical music to encompass quite a vast collection of styles. There are the 'pop idols' of different periods, the more difficult composers and on and on.
This can make the classical world somewhat daunting, as if someone who'd never heard any pop music suddenly had to make their way through the Billboard top 200. It can be a turnoff for many people.
On a related note, I'm planning on trying to work out some sort of introductory guide to classical music for our website to try to lessen the learning curve. For anyone on this thread: How do you think this should manifest itself? At the moment the prevailing thought is something like "pick from these sound clips, if you like this one you'll like this one", but I think it could perhaps be done better, and I'd love to hear your ideas about it.
posted by softlord at 5:51 AM on October 19, 2005
This can make the classical world somewhat daunting, as if someone who'd never heard any pop music suddenly had to make their way through the Billboard top 200. It can be a turnoff for many people.
On a related note, I'm planning on trying to work out some sort of introductory guide to classical music for our website to try to lessen the learning curve. For anyone on this thread: How do you think this should manifest itself? At the moment the prevailing thought is something like "pick from these sound clips, if you like this one you'll like this one", but I think it could perhaps be done better, and I'd love to hear your ideas about it.
posted by softlord at 5:51 AM on October 19, 2005
That's a really well thought out list, wolfdog.
posted by boo_radley at 7:20 AM on October 19, 2005
posted by boo_radley at 7:20 AM on October 19, 2005
aaarghh, that's pseudo classical, and very horrible music.
How do you figure it's "pseudo classical?" It's not capital C classical, being composed in the 21st century, but it's lowercase c classical, meaning art music. I'm only passingly familiar with Howard Shore's score, but I wouldn't say it's very horrible.
As for recommendations, I say Beethoven's piano sonatas and string quartets. It seems that if you're just trying to chill out and listen to something in the background, it makes sense to listen to something with a more homogenous texture.
posted by ludwig_van at 9:00 AM on October 19, 2005
How do you figure it's "pseudo classical?" It's not capital C classical, being composed in the 21st century, but it's lowercase c classical, meaning art music. I'm only passingly familiar with Howard Shore's score, but I wouldn't say it's very horrible.
As for recommendations, I say Beethoven's piano sonatas and string quartets. It seems that if you're just trying to chill out and listen to something in the background, it makes sense to listen to something with a more homogenous texture.
posted by ludwig_van at 9:00 AM on October 19, 2005
Beethoven's piano sonatas and string quartets
Nothing says "chill" like the Hammerklavier and Grosse Fuge. ;)
posted by Wolfdog at 9:03 AM on October 19, 2005
Nothing says "chill" like the Hammerklavier and Grosse Fuge. ;)
posted by Wolfdog at 9:03 AM on October 19, 2005
If you want something accessible and you're really serious about wanting background music only rather than getting the foundations of a musical education or being seduced into listening alertly, I'd emphasize the baroque and classical periods. That includes Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Mozart, Haydn, C.P.E Bach, and their contemporaries. Almost anything by Telemann will serve as pleasant, unremarkable background music.
For the most part, chamber music (to be played by small room-sized groups) is probably better for your purpose than full orchestral pieces or solo instruments. Anything described as a trio or quartet would obviously qualify.
With that in mind, you can glean from some good suggestions above.
posted by tangerine at 9:47 AM on October 19, 2005
For the most part, chamber music (to be played by small room-sized groups) is probably better for your purpose than full orchestral pieces or solo instruments. Anything described as a trio or quartet would obviously qualify.
With that in mind, you can glean from some good suggestions above.
posted by tangerine at 9:47 AM on October 19, 2005
Response by poster: Wow - thank you all for so many wonderful suggestions: I'm going to spend this evening checking samples of them on Amazon to get a feel for what floats my boat and then I'll raid my local library.
Gracias!
posted by forallmankind at 10:20 AM on October 19, 2005
Gracias!
posted by forallmankind at 10:20 AM on October 19, 2005
Ain't there a classical music radio station in your town?
posted by neuron at 3:08 PM on October 19, 2005
posted by neuron at 3:08 PM on October 19, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by boo_radley at 7:40 PM on October 18, 2005