Expert: Marbeth - 12/9/2007

Question
Hello. I am new to classical music and was wondering if you could possibly give me some suggestions based on my preferences. I know many of these things are subjective, but I love music that is very complex, dramatic, and minor key, especially. I can't emphasize these qualities more. Also a particularly important componant is music with a heavily melodic style. I have trouble with dissonance, unless in small amounts.

Thus far I have been introduced [to a very small fraction of] works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Haydn, and Handel. (I realize some of them are from different musical periods). Of the little I have heard (in compilations and so forth) works that have made a tremendous impact on me are: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D. minor Op. 31, No 2 "Tempest" by Beethoven, The Hebrides, overture in B minor for orchestra 'Fingal's Cave' by Mendelssohn, Handel's Water Music, various works by Vivaldi (especially his Double Cello Concerto for two cellos, strings, & continuo in G minor RV 531, and various works by the other composers mentioned (too many to list them all).

Obviously what I decide to listen to is governed by mood, but partly because Vivaldi has been a recent find, I've been listening to a disk with selected works by him (separate from The Four Seasons) almost constantly; I really thoroughly enjoy his style, it aligns with my thinking. (The only trouble is I am sensitive to higher-pitched sounds and cannot handle too much violin; I have gravitated to his cello concertos). I find that lately throughout the day I am interested in Baroque, with generous doses of some of the other styles thrown in between. I love the sound of the harpsichord.

Though I do like my music with a punch, otherwise it becomes dull very rapidly.

Any suggestions you have are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Thanks for the detail in your questions.  Helps me to answer.

For drama, I'd recommend the Beethoven piano concerti; also Mozart's.  

Handel has some very dramatic vocal works.  MESSIAH comes to mind first, of course.  Also see SAUL.  

Bach's toccatas and fugues for organ are stupendous (one of them being the famous "Halloween" one).  Mozart also has an organ fastasia (only one, alas) that I think you will really love.  Also Bach's Brandenburg concerti.  And his masses, if you like vocal music.

Some of Beethoven's "overture" (Egmont, Consecration of the House, etc.) are dramatic, and I think you will like them.

You might also enjoy some madrigals by Monteverdi, Tallis, Byrd, Dowland.  (vocal; Renaissance)  Masses by Palestrina and any of the few works by Pergolesi.

Dvorak has a splendid cello concerto.  You will also like Hadyn's string trios (pno, vn, cello).  Cello sonatas by Brahms, Elgar, Bruck also very good.

Dvoark's Hungarian Dances are very dramatic, too.  Look at Ma Vlast, as well.  

Speaking of Hungarians, don't miss Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies.  You'll love #2.

And Rachmaninov's piano concerti.  #3 is the famous one.  Grieg and Tchaikovsky's piano concerti, too.

Hope this is a good start!
Welcome to the world of classical music.
mb