If you've ever wanted to get into classical music, but not known where to start or what to do, this from the great Ian Leslie is terrific. I agree with almost all of it. Most of all: Don't get put off by the sheer amount or the gatekeepers. It's worth it. www.ian-leslie.com/p/how-to-lov... - ThreadSky

mrchrisaddison.bsky.social • 32 days ago

If you've ever wanted to get into classical music, but not known where to start or what to do, this from the great Ian Leslie is terrific. I agree with almost all of it. Most of all: Don't get put off by the sheer amount or the gatekeepers. It's worth it.

https://www.ian-leslie.com/p/how-to-love-classical-music?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=54748&post_id=155250160&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=72tij&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Comments

ruthelleson.bsky.social•32 days ago

It’s a pity the actual advice part of the article is behind a paywall! I’m not anti- people monetising their content, but when the whole gist of an article is “This is how rewarding something is once you overcome barriers”, it would make so much sense to offer that particular piece as a freebie.

ruthelleson.bsky.social•32 days ago

(I note the 7-day free trial, which will enable most to get to the end of the article without paying. But if it was *my* blog, and I was considering making one occasional piece free to all, that would be a brilliant one to select…)

ianwinick.bsky.social•32 days ago

Thanks, Chris - this is just what I've been looking for.

I've been dipping my toe into classical music by listening to a podcast called "Dr Music".

If you - or anyone else - know of any others for newbies (with a decent knowledge of musical theory), I'd love to hear some recommendations.

mrchrisaddison.bsky.social•32 days ago

There are some excellent recommendations in Ian's piece, as it goes. Lots I'm going to look into. But as I say, Jess Gillam's 'This Classical Life' (BBC Sounds) is superb - not a musical theory sort of show, mind.

ianwinick.bsky.social•32 days ago

OK, thanks Chris! Not looking for musical theory but can cope with it if it's part of the concept 😀

apwlay.bsky.social•32 days ago

Is the answer not just "turn the radio on, listen, wait, learn"?
I never understand what anyone means by "gatekeepers", I just don't recognise it... what do you mean?

ricardaonz.bsky.social•31 days ago

I was going to ask that. I know people *feel* like they're being kept out, but are people in classical music actually doing that, or is it something people say because they feel daunted by the unfamiliarity?

apwlay.bsky.social•31 days ago

I think the mere existence of Leslie's piece implies that he thinks it is (and should be?) daunting, so maybe the gatekeepers are the potential listeners themselves.
But it's not as if it's a thing you can't just switch on at near zero cost

silverlawn.bsky.social•31 days ago

It is! Lovely clear, direct writing, full of enthusiasm.

mrchrisaddison.bsky.social•32 days ago

I can also recommend getting hold of Clemency Burton-Hill's terrific 'A Year in Classical Music', which is a lovely, easy way to get a guide to help you explore.

rhinestonebrowboy.bsky.social•32 days ago

I have this on my desk. I try to do one a day, but sometimes end up binging a whole month. There are playlists on Spotify and YouTube to make things easier.

mrchrisaddison.bsky.social•32 days ago

Hard agree with Ian's recommendation of Jess Gillam's show This Classical Life (archive available on BBC Sounds) which is simply the best current way to discover music and an absolute joy to listen to. Also: Radio 3 does a 1/2 hour Classical Mixtape each day, also on Sounds. Classics and deep cuts.

squiddlediddle.bsky.social•32 days ago

📌

dsyzling.bsky.social•32 days ago

Thanks for the recommendations, I'm going to pick this one up as a way of learning more about classical music. I read Ted Gioia's 'How to Listen to Jazz' last year which I really enjoyed - for a greater appreciation of different jazz styles.

djbeard.bsky.social•32 days ago

Is that the 'Year of Wonder'?

mrchrisaddison.bsky.social•32 days ago

It is, yes.

ashhermes.bsky.social•32 days ago

I get annoyed by those with a 'conductor fetish'. After 50 years of listening to classical music, I still get told which recording by which conductor is the one I should listen to. I'm listening to the composer's vision.

mrchrisaddison.bsky.social•32 days ago

I know what you mean, but I don't think listening to the composer's version is possible. There's no Socratic version. Every performance is some kind of interpretation, but it's horses for courses - pick the one you like.

ashhermes.bsky.social•31 days ago

I used to be immersed in the Penguin Classical CD guide in the 80s and 90s, trying to get their recommended recordings. I suppose I've largely stuck with the first encounters of favourites, though boxsets of symphonies and concertos by various composers are hard to resist these days.

mingeflaps.bsky.social•31 days ago

I always recommend Classical Fix (which might have finished for good); comedians and actors being exposed to a handful of pieces and talking/being funny about them.
I've discovered lots of new stuff there.

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply