How to Find Classical Music You Really Like
Classical music has evolved over the centuries, so there are many different sounds. This means that if you hate one species, you can still love several others. Hate opera? You can still love the orchestra. Are the symphonies too stunning? Try shorter, more humble chamber music. In the video above, we give you some tips on how to find classical music that you like, depending on style, era, instrumentation and composer. We focus on the romantic period – if you are not interested, check out our videos on the Baroque and Classicism periods.
When in doubt, start with the great ones. But remember that composers like Beethoven and Mozart have a wide variety of works. Mozart composed operas, symphonies, dances, marches, chamber music, solo piano pieces and church music, including his famous Requiem. So if you don’t like one Mozart piece, just try a different sound.
You don’t have to love all classical music to be serious about certain forms, composers, and works. The more you pay attention to the differences between these types, the more you realize that your taste is more than just “classic”. And the easier it will be to find more.
Another great way to get started is the Lifehacker Spotify playlist with introductory classical music , which includes a wide range of recognizable music. Skip until something hits your ear. Then look for more from that composer or type of piece. You can even create your own playlist of just the classics you love and see what Spotify has to offer at the bottom of the Featured Songs section. Beethoven would have been jealous.