How To Start Appreciating Classical Music

I had a couple of people asking me for tips on how to start appreciating classical music, so I thought I'd do a video on it!
I'll do a follow up video soon with ten landmark pieces to start with, but hopefully this video will give some of you the confidence to give classical a chance!
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[@deepcuts]

anyone know why on earth the view count on this video just halved for no reason? hmmm...

[@leeroy_unstoppable]

Sorry, it was by accident.

[@Neel-ff4mn]

7:11 So if the violins are tardy, is that a turnoff 4 u? Could a good example be the '82 Maazel/France recording? Then you should try the Dutoit/Montreal recording in '87? The crescendo in Jupiter and Mars are some the most monstrous out of all the ones I've ever heard.

[@gwkonyoutube]

It should be a crime that this channel doesn't have at least 100k subscribers

[@deepcuts]

Well thanks George - lets petition to make it a law!

[@MichaelJimenez416]

Sure, but who would be charged with the crime?

[@EenMagnetron]

Halfway there now!

[@govegan6682]

I feel like he deserves recognition but it's better when the audience is smaller, keeps away a lot of bullshit like what happened to tnd

[@Zach-ic9ho]

We just hit it!

[@Beisser76]

It´s so amazing to have access to SO MUCH music in our age. Just think about the amount of culture you have access to and it offers so much to delve into. Before the internet you were dependent on records and dependent on the records you could get. Now you can get everything. I mean this might be obvious and we take it for granted, but it´s amazing to think about.

[@ghoulish6125]

Truly. Although we have been lifted by a plethora of other inventions, the internet (which relies on said plethora of inventions) is just one of the best things that has ever happened to us, especially if you over-look internet etiquette. We have most everything at the tips of our fingers; its near magical.

[@deepcuts]

haha my favourite part is *if you over-look internet etiquette* so true

[@dylanriesenbeck846]

IDanceMyselfClean It's so nice to see someone else say that. I try to remind myself of that as often as I can remember. We are very, very fortunate.

[@JJJRRRJJJ]

It’s certainly mostly good, but I’m imaging a time (before I was alive) when obtaining music (esp. less mainstream music) was truly challenging. I can picture the excitement that would overwhelm me if I managed to find a recording of, say, Rachmaninoff’s concertos in the (ONE) music shop in town. Hearing each great recording would be treasured far more, even if you hear fewer in total. As is said, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

[@IsaacAsimov1992]

I'm paused at 4.23. This is EXACTLY what I've needed all these years (I'm 70 years old). Will now get back to it, certain that I'll be the richer for discovering this channel.

[@evanosuilleabhain1004]

Top 5 Rappers: 5. Tchaikovsky 4. Beethoven 3. Chopin 2. Debussy 1. Mozart ( no hate plz )

[@MichaelJimenez416]

5. Beethoven 4. Chopin 3. Stravinsky 2. Lil B 1. Debussy

[@s.b.5747]

Mahler, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Ravel, Saint Saens (no order - Mozart is above every kind of list. I also love Verdi, Borodin and Shostakovich)

[@xaviercockerton6989]

No love for Johann Strauss II?

[@aallpprr8998]

Bach beethoven rachmaninoff debussy mozart

[@BacaOConnell]

damn kids, ockeghem, josquin, obretch, schutz, willaert

[@april_showers97]

Another recommendation I have is trying out "transition albums." If you like classic/prog rock and want to get into classical, try the Moody Blues. If you like jazz and want to get into classical, listen to Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. Both of these albums helped me "transition" into appreciating classical on a deeper level.

[@B_Chev]

How To Start Appreciating Jazz Music 5 Albums to Get You Into NOISE ROCK/NOISE POP 5 Albums to Get You Into IDM 5 Albums to Get You Into SKA A Guide To FRANK ZAPPA

[@NoblePringles]

B_Chev yeah he's casually gonna go through over 100 albums for Zappa

[@B_Chev]

Andreas Linguististine II yeah haha I wouldn't expect that but I feel like Zappa's phases can be summarized to a certain degree. Not easily of course but deep cuts has seemed pretty knowledgable to me.

[@NoblePringles]

B_Chev Yeah that's true, maybe just The Mothers Of Invention to exclude some of his more redundant solo stuff. Even if it was summaries of his phases, Oliver will want to talk about them all for a while

[@deepcuts]

Don't worry guys, Zappa is an epic undertaking that will happen in 2017... *deep breaths*

[@NoblePringles]

deep cuts Ahhh, good luck you beautiful man

[@Pretzels722]

As someone who was into a lot of alternative / experimental music before getting into classical, I got into it by listening to these : Rites of spring by Stravinsky Music for 18 musicians by Steve Reich Verklarte nacht by Schoenberg

[@deepcuts]

the Rite of Spring is one of the greatest pieces ever composed

[@Heller86]

The Bad Plus' Jazzy arrangement of The Rites of Spring is also very good. I was fortunate enough to hear it live when they came round my corner of the world as part of their tour, it was magnificent

[@11brant]

Pretzels722 exactly the same for me, I really got in to classical (piano) music via Reich and Philip Glass

[@lachlanwelsh5880]

Pretzels722 - Balanescu Quartet & Kronos Quartet led to Steve Reich led to Prokofiev, Shostakovich & Rachmaninov and Allegri's Miserere!!! Genius.

[@markdavidofficial4274]

For me, as a classical pianist, the way I learned to appreciate classical music is by learning the theory behind the music, because if you learn why a composer wrote something in the way he/she (let's be honest here, its mostly he), to me, it makes the music all the sweeter!

[@carlosmatosfanpage2856]

Mark Jones yes mark

[@Heller86]

I've found it easier to get into piano music first (especially Chopin's nocturnes, Beethoven's sonatas, Rachmaninoff's preludes, pieces by Debussy and Satie), probably because I I learned to play the piano growing up + my mother also plays the piano so I was exposed to a lot of piano music from an early age. I still prefer piano music over orchestral but I find that orchestral music has been gradually growing on me

[@leeroy_unstoppable]

Easily one of the best music channels right now on KZbin... just sayin'... great video, dude!

[@electricant55]

In Poland we call it "serious music" (muzyka poważna), while classical music refers to the classical period like you said

[@MattyMMW]

Rachmaninoff is my personal favourite composer. Piano concerto number 2 is my favourite piece it is amazing.

[@emilyjoiner9662]

Can't second that Alex Ross rec enough - guy writes about music in such a special way. Engaging, but rigorous texts. I appreciate the measured approach you take in these videos. Music criticism is so inherently subjective and in making guides like this you're simplifying broad concepts to their most digestible form. I think you do a really good job of acknowledging both those things in way that naturally works with your format. It adds more weight to what you say and is a refreshing step away from the often omniscient voice of today's Internet Music Reviewer/Hot-Taker/Think-Piecer.

[@HeirApparent1991]

I am ridiculously excited to watch this later. Love this channel!

[@urgadurga]

I never had much of an interest in classical music, it always came off as something very technical, where people seemed to be deriving their enjoyment from understanding complex music theory and it just seemed really gated off to casual listening. About a year ago I began really playing Napoleon Total War and watching the Epic History TV series about the Napoleonic Wars. I began to be incredibly interested in Mozart's Requiem, despite the fact it predates the Napoleonic Era a little bit, it really captured the vibe I was getting from the period and helped me to ease myself into classical music. Another thing that also helped is I found Canticles of Ecstasy by Sequentia on RYM and really really developed an appreciation for Gregorian Chant (I think because it gives me nostalgia for playing Halo:CE when I was really young lol). My point is, I think having other things introduce you to classical music can be really helpful. The same was true of dark ambient and industrial for me. I never gave it much thought until I played Quake, then I began to be obsessed with trying to capture that atmosphere.

[@thechizzamiliz]

This channel is a gold mine

[@stankydanky]

This is one of the highest quality channels I've found on KZbin. I never thought I'd get into classical but now I'd like to :D

[@iRideDonkeys1]

definatley going to get stuck into some classical now cant wait!

[@pogogo51]

You saying "read up" has legitimately recontextualized classical music for me. Like, obviously I should be approaching classical artists the same way I'd approach 70s artists, by learning the movements surrounding them and learning where they fit in the tapestries of their time. I can't believe that didn't click for me before now.

[@hugoc6980]

First video I see on this channel. Great video, really got me more motivated to listen to classical music.

[@fauxorphic2398]

Okay, I officially can say I LOVE YOU! I accidentally have opened your videos over different topics and I am amazed!

[@londonlester5083]

Honestly all the tips you gave are excellent for getting into any genre you are unfamiliar with!!! This is a great video

[@Dear.Mr.Fantasy]

eagerly waiting your video on the 10 peaces of music to get into classical.

[@LopezSAntonio]

A sign of the quality of this video is that it has no dislikes. I recently found this channel and it's already one of my favorites, I hope it continues to grow. P.s. I think you could do a video about how do you go about listening to music, any rituals you have, your gear, do you prefer to use vinyl, or your computer, that sort of stuff.

[@MissHyruleGirl]

I just found your channel through the Nick Cave video and I'm so happy to find you're also talking about classical music. I really love listening to multiple versions of a piece, and I definitely have a favourite version on The Planets as well. It can be fun to hear surprises in different interpretations of a familiar piece! I would think one way to get into classical music might be finding something that feels sort of self-contained or tells a story? The Planets is excellent or maybe a ballet? Although I'm biased because Tchaikovsky is my #1 fave forever and I remember watching the nutcracker both live and on VHS from a young age.

[@UseHearingProtection]

Great video. I got into classical music because I was in a music academy. And I started appreciating it when I discovered Philip Glass, it's incredible how he can create so emotional pieces using so little resources, it opened my eyes and ears.

[@chrisdelisle3954]

I think this is a great idea for discussion. I remember reading a Michael Stipe interview years ago where he was talking about being moved by music Arvo Part had composed and thinking to myself that, outside of Beethoven's 9th, no classical music had ever moved me - or I'd never really connected to anything outside of that which sounded familiar. I'd love to hear about specific works that people really connect with.

[@philippfuelb4246]

Boy this channel is excellent!

[@jarrodanderson2124]

I heard SCHEHERAZADE 2 weeks ago, and I cannot stop listening to "classical" music. I watched this video to get an idea where to look. Thank you Deep Cuts!!

[@LieLikesMusic]

Wow, great content! Never listened too much to classical, but i might as well do it now. And also thanks for introducing me to Alex Ross. What is your favorite classical piece at the moment?

[@LieLikesMusic]

@William Magee And you're here too mate

[@alexandreandrada3056]

Hands down best youtube channel.

[@mrfrosty3]

BBC Radio Three used to have a program were they compared and discussed several recordings of the same composition. It was very interesting and useful, it is a great station for classical and jazz.

[@DavidUKesb]

Classical music is such a huge area. Just think how many variations or types of pop music from the 1950s to the present day......then multiply that by six or seven and imagine the vast variety of classical music! My tip is to find a composer you like, then start to investigate composers of a similar style or time period.

[@gabeclaps8299]

I like to pick up a lot of classical vinyl at thrift shops. There is typically a fruitful amount available, and it's dirt cheap. I've discovered many wonderful artists in this way, and for the ones I'm not into, I simply re-donate. Brilliant video as always Oliver. Cheers

[@boeiinm3175]

great video man

[@stevekaszas1359]

5 albums to get you into CANTERBURY SCENE 5 albums to get you into JAZZ FUSION 5 albums to get you into the ECM LABEL a guide to SOFT MACHINE or ROBERT WYATT a guide to Brian Eno a guide to CAPTAIN BEEFHEART

[@danstone9039]

Hi Oliver, You recommending that Alex Ross book has prompted a question in me that could be a good video idea: What/who are your favourite music/culture critics/theorists, or books about music? Specifically thinking about books that discuss the theoretical, cultural or philosophical underpinnings of music rather than band biographies or music history. David Byrne's book 'how music works' is an interesting one, as well as anything Mark Fisher wrote on his 'K.Punk' blog.

[@sketchandhk9832]

Nice to say eyes to ears!! (:

[@halfalligator6518]

my gateway drug was Chopins Nocturnes. Just good creepy late night piano.

[@diallo7057]

DO A VIDEO ABOUT THE WEIRD FRONTIER

[@GretchenV95]

My Humanities course brought me here and I'm so glad it did!

[@HEARTMACHINEPLUSULTRA]

It's funny, I was just listening to Gorecki's 3rd Symphony when this video came up in my inbox lol

[@tutubism]

i remember a childhood kids cartoon called _'Little Eisteins'_ being my gateway to science, art & classical music

[@c.hrlotte]

i appreciate u so much

[@kensho8300]

I came here from the AFX video. Subscribed ;)

[@henleysmith3857]

A guide to King Crimson?

[@BrixSnBs]

I would love to see you do a special on either Stravinsky, Ravel or Debussy :)

[@wadesworld6250]

If you haven't listened to much classical, start with some of the best-known: Vivaldi - Four Seasons or Rossini - Overture, Barber of Seville. Extremely difficult to not enjoy listening to those. From there break off into other works by those composers and then move on to other composers.

[@78deathface]

Eric Satie was my intro to classical, very simple, accessible and hauntingly beautiful. Solo piano stuff like Glenn Gould's performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations (the original 1956 recording) is also amazing and a great place to start, it really showcases the role of the performer (in Gould's case, a true eccentric genius) and how they bring their personality into an interpretation of a given composition. For more modern/experimental stuff, you can't go wrong with Steve Reich.

[@DMWeekes90]

I think an important element that can get overlooked when it comes to introducing people to classic music is that 20th/21st century orchestral film music is classical music in its own right! If you loved Howard Shore's LOTR score or any of John Williams' great work (who doesn't??) then chances are you will also like the music of the great composers that inspired them. Wagner's Tristan and Isolde prelude and Holst's Planets Suite still sound very 'cinematic' to our contemporary ears. Happy listening everyone!

[@julianacrain1055]

deep_cuts >>>>> theneedledrop

[@ilovecody7514]

Two different niches, as content creators they cover two different areas as far as music media. At the end of the day it would come down to a matter of taste.

[@mileslamborghini6018]

I...agree!

[@mileslamborghini6018]

I agree deep cuts is better than theneedledrop, not with the asshat above me

[@waterglas21]

I Agree

[@tyhen12]

5 Albums to Get You Into Mathcore A Guide to Sunn O)))

[@TheAnthraxBiology]

What got me into classical music was experimental rock music inspired by classical like Sgt Pepper's, Dark Side of The Moon, anything by the kinks from 1966-69, and a lot of Bowie. The classical piece that really sucked me in is a favourite of many called Peer Gynt Suite no.1 and odds are you've heard at least 2 of the works in this suite. The suite is only 4 pieces so it's very short and everyone has heard Morning and In The Hall of The Mountain King. Anitra's Dance and Ase's Death are the other two in this work and they're absolutely brilliant in my opinion. In The Hall of The Mountain King can really be ruined by a bad performance though, some of the performances don't crescendo enough and aren't very explosive which ruins the entire piece for me.

[@julionunes4622]

I first started by Mozart’s Requiem, and Chopin Nocturne’s. I feel happy now I can apreciate lots of other works and composers. Piano concertos and Religious works are my favourites. String quartets are not my type.

[@deepdivemusicreactions]

listen to frank zappa. perfect introduction or a transfer zone if you like

[@jomeara75]

Oliver you look just like Perfume Genius!

[@jonajon91]

Just note that with the 'rite of spring' the audience flipped out over the dancing more than the music. Ballet up until that point was all about fluidity, but the rite of spring is very sharp and angular.

[@johns123]

Do a Baroque music genre guide!

[@trindrf4901]

5 Albums to Get You Into Black Metal please

[@MultiSLASHMAN]

Can you do a video about the Psych Movement?

[@eeriedragonjiheun838]

Start with Bach. That's what I did when I was 16.

[@aallpprr8998]

Jiheun thats a bad bad idea bach is unapproachable by most especially at the beginning of listening to classical music. Happy it worked for you

[@ghoulish6125]

Would you care to do the same for electric blues? (I like your video diversity by the way, keep this up!)

[@PatrickJohnPaulCurran]

What is your opinion on Holst's The Planets?

[@dylanriesenbeck846]

Anyone have some recommendations for some thoughtful, moving music? Maybe along the lines of Satie, Debussy, or Yann Tiersen? Or something completely different! I love all forms of music.

[@96al]

Can you please do a guide to Animal Collective? That'll be awesome!

[@porygonseizure6044]

6:45 hehe, pianists

[@vitorfreirezannin3075]

recommend me some great noise rock!!

[@RalphLindsen]

Idles just released their album although its more post-punk. It depends a bit on what you come from. What do you listen now?

[@vitorfreirezannin3075]

Ralph Lindsen I know, I've been listening to it, but right now the best shit to me is Lightning Bolt, blew my mind. Also been listening to Melt-Banana. But I wanted to become familiar with some of the classics and shit

[@vitorfreirezannin3075]

Ralph Lindsen Thanks man, gonna check that stuff out

[@deepcuts]

Will do a video soon Vitor!

[@shaikhayasser7895]

i love how ur videos rarely get dislikes

[@carlitomelon4610]

True its a time investment. Maybe start by watching concerts on KZbin tv to learn the instruments? I'd add that investment in a decent stereo system will only heighten your emotional involvement with orchestral music. Listen with eyes closed and let your imagination fly! I stream new high resolution music on Qobuz every morning. We live in an amazing age for musical discovery and appreciation. Belated thanks for this discussion! 🎵🎶😊🎶🎵

[@dietwomananartisticcollabo6258]

bach is bae 😍😍😍😍

[@KMHill]

Can't find the followup you mentioned, suggesting 10 pieces to start with.

[@hacker2ish]

so where's the video you were talking about

[@xaviercockerton6989]

I started with music from films I like. 2001 and A clockwork orange have great soundtracks (Kubrick so of course they do). Still don’t fuck with opera though bun that.

[@leeroy_unstoppable]

Tchaikovsky is da best

[@SoloMan312]

Lennart Skennart Bach is best

[@leeroy_unstoppable]

k

[@deepdivemusicreactions]

where can I learn about music theory on youtube?

[@coleangehrn4427]

Michael New has some good theory lessons

[@dael9163]

I love Minimalism

[@brobdingnagswift8582]

"Болеро" Равеля вперше почув у школі на уроці музики (це приблизно 1985-1987 роки). люблю тільки цей твір, а далі у класичній музиці я так й не просунувся. слухаю harsh noise, power electronics, death industrial, dark ambient, drone, post industrial, industrial techno, industrial dub, martial industrial, neofolk.

[@chenyanhao676]

Sadly debussy doesn't have any solo piano sonatas, his duet/trio sonatas are criminally underrated though

[@wetwater90]

Just listen to Lingua Ignota and you're good

[@Neel-ff4mn]

9:24 Where is it?!

[@bobsbigboy_]

ARVO PART

[@ramsestebogo1041]

Lol🤣😂 the sound track of the aristocracy.

[@Jake-vf3yp]

I think an easy way to get into classical music by watching Disney's Fantasia and Fantasia 2000

[@ZacSandy96]

I've always been interested but also dead confused by classical. I don't really get the format. Modern music has albums with tracks in them and that makes sense to me but classical has, concertos, sonatas, overtures, 5th symphonies in the key of whatever and i dont know what any of those words mean. it makes it all a pain in arse to navigate a composers work in a way that makes sense :(

[@ZacSandy96]

wow man thanks for such an informative reply! I suppose when you think about it as selling performances rather than records it makes more sense to have sprawling, complex pieces instead of a small collection of musical ideas

[@Heller86]

I like a lot of classical music and yet I can relate to what you're saying. It's not so much a matter of format but of naming. For example, I often get Rachmaninoff's prelude in G minor and his prelude in G sharp minor mixed up. This key-based naming scheme isn't very good for identifying/remembering pieces of music. Chronological numbering (e.g. 1st concerto, 2nd concerto; 5th symphony, etc as you mentioned) isn't much better. That's why many classical composition have informal names, e.g. Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, in addition to the formal names. And beginning in the late 19th century composers started naming composition this way formally (e.g. Many of Debussy's compositions have proper names that you can remember easily, like "Reverie". He also compiled compositions toegther in thematically linked batches, sort of like today's albums, like "Suite Bergameesque", "Children's Corner", "Images") instead of the old way, so it's easier to navigate their output.

[@ZacSandy96]

Thanks a bunch for the definitions they're super helpful :) I've recently got a bit more into classical after buying my mum an mp3 player and loading it up with classical music for mothers day. Once you throw yourself into it a bit it does become a lot easier to notice differences between composers and styles on a slightly less superficial level. It's easier to start appreciating the character of the music then and you can actually decide what kind of classical music you like best. Really liking Ralph Vaughan Williams at the moment.

[@Heller86]

There's a lot of shorter classical music, some famous composition are 6 minutes or less. But I agree that if you only listen to short and simple pop/rock songs you'd find it hard to get into classical. It's a good idea to get into ie. progressive rock and similar genres before listening to long form classical music

[@benthomas8497]

Zac a good gateway might be to listen to some prog rock. the more complex formats often mimic classical music but it's rock music instead

[@DJBUndathereOfficial]

Third

[@bobsbigboy_]

guys i think this is OLIVAH

[@alimandi2]

Excellent video as usual. But... Umm... We need to talk about the background music... No...

[@User-xw6kd]

A Guide To RADIOHEAD

[@bobsbigboy_]

a guide to ur mom

[@Sams911]

where did you find the picture of the one female conductor of the 1000's of men out there? Click-bate master that you are!

[@kristianmcgurran3183]

My lecturer calls it western art music

[@brandonlangfeldt9809]

gorilaz guide?

[@dylanriesenbeck846]

Guide to Boss Nova? Eh? Unless you already have one? Just started watching? Alright?

[@martiglesias60]

With musical study! And not with singing silly tunes from the radio.

[@bb1111116]

Too wordy imo for someone who has no clue about classical music. * Instead of getting hung up on the name "classical"; start with the examples of Debussy or Holst being cinematic. And then quickly go to mention that the film music a person likes can often similar to classical. Bring up John Williams for instance. For the wider audience keep in mind the motto from Monty Python; "Get on with it!".