Expert: David Froom - 10/17/2006

Question
Hello.

I should probably tell you firstly that I have little knowledge of the workings of classical music, as well as music in general.

I've had a difficult time finding a particular type of music I enjoy, and was hoping you might be able to help. Is there any classical music that you could recommend that is highly complex, and specifically in minor keys? (I suppose one might consider music itself to be 'complex' anyway, but again I do not have much musical knowledge.. I hope you understand the gist of what I mean.) In terms of music preference, I do not think I have ever been as satisfied as I am when I experience the richness of music with the aforementioned qualities.

I appreciate any information you have to share with me. Thank you for your time.

Answer
I'm not sure what you are looking for, because the minor vs. major thing is usually not such a defining characteristic.  And complexity is a relative thing.

But I might try a few suggestions of pieces I thought of when I was reading your question.  Typically, great complexity is a feature of the late part of an era.  With this in mind, you might take a look at:

In the late Romantic era:

Mahler, Symphony #6
Mahler, Symphony #9
Mahler, Symphony #10
Schoenberg, Verklaerte Nacht

In the late Classical era:

Beethoven, "Hammerklavier" Sonata
Beethoven, String Quartet Opus 131

In the late Baroque:
Bach, The Art of the Fugue

In the late Renaissance:
Anything by Gesualdo

If you know any of these, you can explore further works by those same composers.  If you want to try these out, they probably all are available at your local library.  Buying can be through places like Amazon or downloads from places like iTunes.

If you have a piece or two in mind you'd like me to match in terms of complexity and general mood, send them my way, and I'll make further or different suggestions.

David Froom