How to Get Into Classical Music
If you’re looking to get into classical music, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s important to find a good entry point. Whether that’s a certain composer, a certain type of music, or something else entirely, having a starting point will make things much easier.
Once you have your starting point, it’s time to start exploring. Listen to as much classical music as you can, and try to find new pieces that you enjoy. There are a
Start with the basics
A lot of people are put off classical music because they think it’s boring, or they don’t understand it. But classical music can be really enjoyable, and it’s not as difficult to get into as you might think. In this article, we’ll give you a few tips on how to get into classical music.
Decide why you want to get into classical music
Classical music is a huge genre, and it can be daunting to try and get into it – but where do you even start? The answer, like with most things in life, is at the beginning. Here are five tips on how to get into classical music, starting from the very beginning.
1. Decide why you want to get into classical music.
Are you looking for something to help you relax? To provide background noise while you work? As an alternative to modern pop music? Classical music can be all of these things, but it can also be much more. It can be complex and moving, or light and fun. It can tell stories and evoke images and emotions. It help you focus or provide a break from reality. It can make you feel happy or sad or any other emotion you can think of. There are literally thousands of years of classical music to choose from, so take some time to figure out what you’re looking for before diving in headfirst.
2. Start with the basics.
If you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay – there are plenty of resources out there to help guide your journey into the world of classical music. A good place to start is with the major composers: Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Strauss… these are all big names for a reason. You can find their music online or at your local library – try listening to a few pieces and see which ones you like best. Another option is to start with a particular style of classical music: baroque, classical, romantic, impressionistic… again, there are plenty of resources available to help you figure out what style might be right for you.
3. Choose your own adventure.
Once you have a little bit of background knowledge under your belt (or even if you don’t), it’s time to start exploring on your own! With such a vast genre as classical music, there are endless possibilities – so go forth and find what YOU like best. Check out concerts (both live and streaming), listen to different composers and performers (Spotify is great for this), read about different pieces and periods… the world of classical music is yours for the taking!
4. Get involved!
One great way to really get into classical music is by attending live performances – whether that’s a full symphony orchestra or a solo recital by a local musician. Seeing live performances will give you a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into making beautiful music; not to mention the fact that it’s just really enjoyable! If attending concerts isn’t an option for you (or if they’re just not your thing), there are other ways to get involved as well: support public radio stations that play classical music; join choirs or orchestras; go see movies with great scores… again, the possibilities are endless!
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Learn about the different eras of classical music
There are different types of classical music, which is generally split into four different categories or Periods. These are the Medieval Period, the Renaissance Period, the Baroque Period and the Classical Period. Below is a brief description of each:
The Medieval Period – This period of classical music lasted from around the 5th century to the 15th century. Not a great deal of music from this time has survived, as it was mostly oral tradition back then. The type of music that did survive was Gregorian Chant, which was named after Pope Gregory I.
The Renaissance Period – This period lasted from the 15th to 17th centuries and was a time when there were many great changes in society, art and religion. Composers wrote works that were meant to be listened to, not just performed. This was also the first time that composers began to sign their work. Some of the most famous composers from this era include Giovanni Palestrina, William Byrd and Thomas Tallis.
The Baroque Period – The Baroque period lasted from 1600 – 1750 and is when some of the most well-known classical pieces were written, such as Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. This was also a time when opera began to take off in popularity. Other famous composers from this era include George Frideric Handel, Alessandro Scarlatti and Antonio Vivaldi.
The Classical Period – The Classical period picked up where the Baroque period left off, around 1750 – 1830. This is often seen as the golden age of classical music, as some of the most famous pieces were composed during this time. These include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro opera. Other well-known classical composers from this era include Franz Haydn, Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Understand the difference between classical and Romantic music
Classical music and Romantic music are two distinct genres that have different origins, purposes, and styles.
Classical music is rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. It is formal, melodic, and harmony-based. Classical music is designed to be performed by professional musicians in concert halls and opera houses.
Romantic music emerged in the early 19th century as a reaction to the formalism of classical music. It is expressive, emotional, and highly personal. Romantic music often uses chromaticism, extreme dynamics, and large orchestral forces. It is usually composed for amateur performers and is meant to be enjoyed by a wider audience in less formal settings.
Listen to some music
If you’re wondering how to get into classical music, the best place to start is by simply listening to some music. You can find a lot of great classical music online, or you can look for a classical music radio station in your area. Once you start listening, you may find that you enjoy some of the pieces more than others. From there, you can start doing some research on the pieces that you like and the composers who wrote them.
Choose a piece of classical music to listen to
Now that you have an idea of what classical music is, it’s time to start listening to it! If you’re not sure where to begin, try picking out a popular piece of classical music to listen to. Some good pieces to start with include:
-Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
-Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven
-The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi
Once you’ve chosen a piece of music, find a recording of it online or on a streaming service like Spotify. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the music!
Find a recording of the piece you’ve chosen
One of the great things about classical music is that there are so many recordings of most pieces. You can find several different interpretations of even the most well-known works. This is one of the things that makes classical music so rich and interesting – there are endless possibilities for how a piece can be played.
To get started, find a recording of the piece you’ve chosen to listen to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a live performance or a studio recording, or if it’s on CD, vinyl, or streaming online. Just pick something and hit play.
Follow along with the score as you listen
Listening to a piece of classical music and following along with the score is a great way to familiarize yourself with the piece and pick up on smaller details that you might not notice otherwise. It can also be helpful to read about the piece beforehand so that you have some context for what you’re listening to.
Here are a few tips for following along with the score as you listen:
-Start by finding a good recording of the piece that you want to listen to. Make sure to pick something that has good sound quality and is performed by musicians that you enjoy.
-Find a copy of the score, either online or in a physical book. You can usually find these at your local library or music store.
-Start by listening to the piece all the way through without following along with the score. Pay attention to the overall structure and form of the piece, as well as any themes or motifs that stand out to you.
-Once you’ve listened to the piece once, start following along with the score. Don’t worry if you get lost at times – just go back and listen to that section again until you’re able to find your place.
-As you’re following along, pay attention to how the different parts of the orchestra fit together and contribute to the overall sound of the piece. You may also want to look up any unfamiliar terms that you come across in the score so that you have a better understanding of what’s going on.
-Keep listening to the piece and following along with the score until you feel like you have a good understanding of it. You may want to listen multiple times so that you can really get inside of the music and appreciate all of its complexities.
Go to a concert
One of the best ways to get into classical music is to go to a concert. There is nothing like hearing a live orchestra or piano performance. If you can, try to find a free concert in your area. Many cities have free concerts in the park during the summer. You can also look for student recitals at your local college or university.
Choose an upcoming concert
Now that you know the basics of classical music, it’s time to start attending concerts! Attending a live performance is one of the best ways to appreciate classical music. It can be a bit daunting to choose an upcoming concert, but have no fear! This guide will help you select a classical music concert that is right for you.
First, take a look at the repertoire that will be performed. If you are not familiar with the pieces that will be played, do some research on them beforehand. It can be helpful to read program notes or listen to recordings of the pieces before you see them performed live. That way, you will have a better understanding of what to listen for when you are at the concert.
Next, consider the performers. If you are familiar with the conductor or soloists who will be appearing, that can be a good indication of whether or not you will enjoy the concert. However, even if you are not familiar with the performers, they may still put on a great show!
Finally, think about your budget. Concert tickets can range in price from free to hundreds of dollars. If cost is a concern for you, there are often discounts available for students and seniors. You can also check to see if your local library has any free tickets available.
Now that you know how to choose an upcoming concert, it’s time to start planning your outing!
Purchase tickets
Classical music concerts are a great way to experience this genre of music. However, if you’re new to classical music, the process of purchasing tickets and attending a concert can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
When purchasing tickets, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the venue. Concert halls can be small and intimate or large and grand. second, think about the time of day that you would prefer to attend the concert. afternoon concerts are typically shorter than evening concerts, and third, decide how much you are willing and able to spend on tickets. Ticket prices can vary widely depending on the performers and venue.
When attending a concert, it is important to remember that classical music is meant to be enjoyed without talking or other distractions. Many people dress up for classical music concerts, but there is no correct way to dress. The most important thing is to be comfortable so that you can sit still and focus on the music.
Attend the concert
There are many ways to get involved with classical music, but one of the best ways is to attend a concert. Seeing music performed live is always a special experience, and it can be a great introduction to the genre if you’re not already familiar with it.
Of course, attending a classical music concert can be a bit intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to prepare for and enjoy your first classical music concert.
Explore other resources
There are so many ways to get into classical music! The following are just some examples:1) Head to your local library and check out some CDs. If you don’t have a CD player, most libraries also have a listening station where you can listen to the CDs on-site. 2) If you’re looking for something a little more modern, try streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, or Apple Music. They all have sections dedicated to classical music. 3) Check out some classical music blogs or podcasts.
Read a book about classical music
To get a more in-depth understanding of classical music, it can be helpful to read a book about the topic. There are many different titles available on the history, theory, and personalities involved in the genre. Not sure where to start? Check out our list of recommended reads below.
-For Beginners:
Classical Music for Dummies by David Pogue and Scott Speck
The NPR Guide to Building a Classical CD Collection by Ted Libbey
The Young Person’s Guide to Music by Elaine Rambeau and Charles Szabla
-For History Buffs:
Classical Music: A Very Short Introduction by Nicholas Cook
The Oxford History of Western Music by Richard Taruskin
Music in the Western World: A History in Documents by Piero Weiss and Richard Taruskin
-For Theory enthusiasts:
Basic Concepts in Music Theory by James Horne
Tonal Harmony by Kostka & Payne
Musicianship for the Older Beginner by Francis Clark
Watch a movie that features classical music
There are quite a few movies that feature classical music prominently. Here are a few of our favorites:
-The Devil’s Wondarland: This movie centers around an up-and-coming piano prodigy who starts to rebel against the rigorous competition and expectations of the music world.
-The Pianist: This movie is based on the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish pianist who survived the Holocaust.
-Amadeus: One of the most popular classical music movies of all time, Amadeus tells the story of Mozart’s rivalry with another composer, Antonio Salieri.
If you’re looking for something more lighthearted, try Fantasia orRIO. And if you want to get your kids interested in classical music, try letting them watch Thomas & Friends or The Magic School Bus Rides Again.
Take a class on classical music
Although it might seem daunting, taking a course on classical music can be a great way to get started. It can give you the opportunity to learn about the history and culture surrounding the music, as well as the composer’s techniques.
There are many different ways to take a class on classical music. You can find courses offered at your local community college or university, or even online. There are also plenty of resources available for free if you’re willing to do a little research on your own.
Once you’ve completed a course (or two), you’ll have a much better understanding of the music and be able to appreciate it in a whole new way.
