Classical Music

[Canerican]

I have recently found myself enjoying classical music, but I do not know much about it. I really do not know many of the great composers. Maybe you guys could help me, who do you like?

This is who I have enjoyed:

Tchaikovsky
Beethoven
Vivaldi
Mozart
Wagner

[Canerican]

Oh yes, please suggest an album or two I could buy, and some websites where I can listen to this music.

[MikeK]

I don't really know much about classical music, but I can always listen to it, and there are a few particular composers and pieces that I enjoy (mostly the famous ones since my knowledge is pretty limited).
But there is one that I can suggest.  You should try listeneing to Dvorak.  I love everything I've heard of his.  Particularly check out his "9th Symphony: From The New World", and his Slavonic Dances.

[kudzai]

I would definately recommend Sibelius. He's a Finnish composer of the early 20th century. Start with his fifth symphony. Sibelius is structurally very different but he still manages to 'tip his cap' to the greats like Beethoven. It is great music for a crisp cold winter's morning.

One word of warning about classical music is that it is a minefield interpretation-wise. You have to find your favourite conductors and orchestras. There are many different ways to interpret music and there is much debate in classical music about opposing styles of interpretation. Try to get hold of a second-hand penguin guide to classical music - I found them to be informative and still manage to keep their minds open to the differing styles.

Good luck.

[idaco]

All classical is intriguing, stimulating, and intellectually challenging...but without a doubt in my mind the single most evocative of the great composers is Tchaikovsky...
When I received the news that my best friend had died after a long and ugly brawl with leukemia, I listened to his 6th(The Pathetique) at room shaking volume- to the saddened dimay of my parents-and I wept furiously...for my loss, but also for the shadow of T's hopeless succumbing to fate...no one moves the heart and soul like he does...for a quick orgasmic taste of his dynamic prowess check out the Marche Slave...it is indescribable...

[underworld men]

What no Stravinsky?

Oh wait that would be avant garde!  

[Zissou]

I have my alarm clock come on with Classic FM in the mornings.  I find it a pleasant way to be woken up.  I wouldnt call myself a fan of it but I can appreciate certain pieces.  One that recently took me was Schubert's March Militaire.