There are lots of ways to learn about classical music if you'd like to discover this genre. Perhaps you think that it isn't for you, and that listening to music by dead composers couldn't possibly be interesting. But plenty of musicians are writing classical pieces now, and it's an enduring genre. How likely is it that people will still be listening to Justin Bieber in 200 years? Try these ways to learn about classical music - there's bound to be something you love …
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1. Movies
One of the best ways to learn about classical music is by watching movies. Classical music is often used in movies; you've probably heard some without even realising. There are also movies about composers, such as 'The King is Dancing' (Lully) or 'Immortal Beloved' (Beethoven). And if you haven't seen Disney's wonderful animation 'Fantasia', check it out.
2. Free Concerts
Free concerts are another excellent way of introducing yourself to classical music. If you decide that you don't care for the music, at least you haven't wasted any money. On the other hand, you might discover something that you love. There are concerts in churches, parks and colleges, so keep an eye out for what's going on in your local area.
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3. Radio
Switch on the radio and listen to some classical stations. There are lots of stations dedicated to classical music, and you'll find plenty online as well. Listen to them on your drive to work, or while you're out running. You're bound to stumble across something that you love, and that will lead you to try out more work by the same composer.
4. Podcasts
Classical music may have been around for centuries, but it's still moving with the times. You can find lots of podcasts online to teach you about the music. Some of them can be found at classical-music.com, classicalpodcasts.com, theguardian.com, and naxos.com. Some are informative about the music, others are the recordings themselves.
5. Don't Be Intimidated
Many people find classical music intimidating, and think that it's only for the elite. That's simply not true. Classical music is for everyone, and you don't have to have a degree or be "posh" to enjoy it. There's also a kind of reverse snobbery that thinks you must be snooty if you like classical music, which perhaps puts many people off. Don't worry what others think.
6. Explore
Try some searches on Youtube. Since the site suggests other videos based on what you've watched, you'll find lots of possibilities. Give them a try. You won't like all of them, but you'll stumble across some gems. The beauty of this approach is that you'll encounter music you wouldn't otherwise have found, so you'll discover so much new music.
7. Lucky Dip
Treat learning about classical music as an adventure of discovery. Or maybe a lucky dip. If you see some cheap CDs, or your local library has CDs for lending, pick something at random. What have you lost if you don't like it? At worst, a few $$ and some of your time. Chances are that you'll find something you really enjoy.
Classical music can range from thrilling to relaxing. If you want to chill, listen to some soft string music. Or if you're in a dramatic mood you can listen to a thundering piece with drums and brass. There's something for everyone and for every mood. What is your favorite piece of classical music?
Comments
Ine: I heard the second movement of Mozart's 23rd piano concerto in an episode of a German TV series and I immediately loved it. Now I have all Mozart's piano concertos performed by Murray Perahia on CD (I bought them 10 years ago). Furthermore, I learned myself to listen to classical music, by buying sampler CD's, then by listening to the entire work and reading about composers. It is very nice to listen to e.g. GF Haendel while knowing that he was a very sympathetic man who spend a lot on charity. Vivaldi was a priest and suffered from astma, therefore he did not need to spend much time in church and that gave him the opportunity to compose. He was a redhead and they called him 'Il prete rosso', the red priest. I like to learn about famous historic persons and let them come alive that way. I read a biography of Guiseppe Verdi, and now I can understand La Traviata better. There are also plenty of movies and documentaries about composers, although some movies are partly fictional, like Amadeus.
Ine: Sorry, Haendel spenT a lot on charity. I am not a native speaker.
Renatha: Great article!
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