Do you like rock music? Statistically, chances are you do because most people have embraced this form of music since its development in the 1950's and '60's. Now answer this: Do you like classical music? Statistically, chances are you don't. In 2009, rock, pop, and other related music accounted for almost 80% of global music sales, while classical music limped along at an underwhelming 5.5%.
Many people may feel that classical music appreciation is something that is beyond them. It is only for certain people who have spent many years studying it. However, it may be easier than you think to develop an appreciation for this wonderful art form by tapping into the same parts of yourself that respond so readily to rock music.
As with the development of any popular cultural art form, rock music reflects and assimilates the spirit of the times in which it was born, incorporating all the rebellion and passion of an emerging new consciousness. In its own time, classical music did the same. These musical genres are really not all that different. The elements they share relate to our emotions and to aspects of the human experience that are timeless and universal.
The things we like about rock music are its harmonic and melodic simplicity, its powerful rhythmic pulse, and its direct emotional impact. So the key is to start with classical music that has these elements and go from there. Once a bridge has been built from these common elements, then it is easier to gradually venture into music that may challenge your ear a bit. From there an immense world of beautiful and interesting music can be discovered.
Here are the best classical pieces to start with:
1. Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 - Start with the first movement. Listen to it multiple times - each time you will get more out of it. Pretty soon you won't be able to get it out of your head. Don't forget to turn up the volume! Conductors do make a difference, so I would recommend Karajan, Abbado, Bernstein or Ormandy. There are others, but it is best to stick with an established name at first - they usually record with great orchestras. Later you might try the 5th and 6th symphonies of Tchaikovsky.
2. Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 - Use the same procedure as above. Add Kleiber and Reiner to that list of conductors. After this, all of Beethoven's symphonies are pretty awesome - try No. 3.
3. Brahms' Symphony No. 4 - With Brahms there is a lot of contrast, so the climactic sections will be interspersed with slower, lyrical sections that build.
4. Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, last movement - This is a proverbial "barn burner" from Shostakovich's most accessible symphony. Also try No. 10, movement 2 - although a little more adventurous, it is very powerful.
5. Elgar's Cello Concerto, first movement - This music was featured in the movie Hilary and Jackie, and popularized by early 60's cello phenomenon Jacqueline Du Pre. Add conductor Barenboim.
6. Mozart's Requiem Mass in D Minor - Made famous in the movie Amadeus I would recommend conductor Karajan. This one will knock your socks off!
So start with these suggested works and enjoy your journey of discovery. As you listen you will notice that the same forces are at work in these pieces as are in those that draw you to rock. It just takes a very slight shift in perception. So slight, in fact, that many rock artists borrow freely from their classical predecessors to create hits like All By Myself, Russians, Could It Be Magic and Groovy Kind Of Love. You may even find that as you listen, you begin to develop a new appreciation and understanding not only of classical music, but of rock music as well.
Many people may feel that classical music appreciation is something that is beyond them. It is only for certain people who have spent many years studying it. However, it may be easier than you think to develop an appreciation for this wonderful art form by tapping into the same parts of yourself that respond so readily to rock music.
As with the development of any popular cultural art form, rock music reflects and assimilates the spirit of the times in which it was born, incorporating all the rebellion and passion of an emerging new consciousness. In its own time, classical music did the same. These musical genres are really not all that different. The elements they share relate to our emotions and to aspects of the human experience that are timeless and universal.
The things we like about rock music are its harmonic and melodic simplicity, its powerful rhythmic pulse, and its direct emotional impact. So the key is to start with classical music that has these elements and go from there. Once a bridge has been built from these common elements, then it is easier to gradually venture into music that may challenge your ear a bit. From there an immense world of beautiful and interesting music can be discovered.
Here are the best classical pieces to start with:
1. Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 - Start with the first movement. Listen to it multiple times - each time you will get more out of it. Pretty soon you won't be able to get it out of your head. Don't forget to turn up the volume! Conductors do make a difference, so I would recommend Karajan, Abbado, Bernstein or Ormandy. There are others, but it is best to stick with an established name at first - they usually record with great orchestras. Later you might try the 5th and 6th symphonies of Tchaikovsky.
2. Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 - Use the same procedure as above. Add Kleiber and Reiner to that list of conductors. After this, all of Beethoven's symphonies are pretty awesome - try No. 3.
3. Brahms' Symphony No. 4 - With Brahms there is a lot of contrast, so the climactic sections will be interspersed with slower, lyrical sections that build.
4. Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, last movement - This is a proverbial "barn burner" from Shostakovich's most accessible symphony. Also try No. 10, movement 2 - although a little more adventurous, it is very powerful.
5. Elgar's Cello Concerto, first movement - This music was featured in the movie Hilary and Jackie, and popularized by early 60's cello phenomenon Jacqueline Du Pre. Add conductor Barenboim.
6. Mozart's Requiem Mass in D Minor - Made famous in the movie Amadeus I would recommend conductor Karajan. This one will knock your socks off!
So start with these suggested works and enjoy your journey of discovery. As you listen you will notice that the same forces are at work in these pieces as are in those that draw you to rock. It just takes a very slight shift in perception. So slight, in fact, that many rock artists borrow freely from their classical predecessors to create hits like All By Myself, Russians, Could It Be Magic and Groovy Kind Of Love. You may even find that as you listen, you begin to develop a new appreciation and understanding not only of classical music, but of rock music as well.