I have been listening to classical probably for a couple of years. I buy all sorts of stuff, some from suggestions, some from liking the look of the cover, some by composers I like and some because it is cheap! One thing about classical is that there are mountains of classical records in charity shops all over the world at about $1 a record - if you have a turntable this is a great place to explore. You buy the record, if you don't like it you can chuck it away since you only paid $1.
As for suggestions, I would agree with Vivaldi - very listenable, in terms of Beethoven the 5th symphony is almost a cliche it is so well known but it is a great piece of music and the 7th symphony "rocks" for want of a better phrase. I really like the emotion you get from classical, for anger you would be hard pressed going past Shostakovich, 5th and 8th symphonies are my favourites - he's not for everyone but worth a try. Tchaikovsky's 1812 is a common favourite as is his first Piano concerto. I've been buying a few Bach records of late and The Well Tempered Clavier is nice piano music. There is a hell of a lot out there, classical music has been going for such a long time there is an enormous range. Like popular music you cannot really say you "like" classical music - some of it you will like, some you will abhor - there is a huge range (and I still don't like opera I'm afraid!).
So, my advice is to find cheap second hand classical records or CDs and have a listen. Go with people's suggestions as we all like the music we listen to for a reason, but take a chance sometimes and start giving us your suggestions.
DS
As for suggestions, I would agree with Vivaldi - very listenable, in terms of Beethoven the 5th symphony is almost a cliche it is so well known but it is a great piece of music and the 7th symphony "rocks" for want of a better phrase. I really like the emotion you get from classical, for anger you would be hard pressed going past Shostakovich, 5th and 8th symphonies are my favourites - he's not for everyone but worth a try. Tchaikovsky's 1812 is a common favourite as is his first Piano concerto. I've been buying a few Bach records of late and The Well Tempered Clavier is nice piano music. There is a hell of a lot out there, classical music has been going for such a long time there is an enormous range. Like popular music you cannot really say you "like" classical music - some of it you will like, some you will abhor - there is a huge range (and I still don't like opera I'm afraid!).
So, my advice is to find cheap second hand classical records or CDs and have a listen. Go with people's suggestions as we all like the music we listen to for a reason, but take a chance sometimes and start giving us your suggestions.
DS