The First Three Albums for Beginners

In this article, I will be talking about 3 classical albums that would be perfect for beginners who are ready to dive into the world of classical music.

These are all famous and you’ve heard the melodies somewhere in your life. Let me start by giving you the set of 3 albums that cover different types, periods, and styles of classical music. These happen to be the kind of music that introduced me to classical music.

#1 Frederic Chopin: Mazurukas from Late Works

Chopin was a early 19th century composer who wrote music almost exclusively for the piano. Very technical music yet romantic. He was born in Poland and died as an exile in France at the age of 39. He never forgot his homeland and some of the songs in this album are called “Mazurkas,” which is a form of Polish dance. This album is performed by Maurizio Pollini, a great Italian pianist, probably the best alive.

Chopin: Late Works, Opp. 59-64, an album by Frédéric Chopin, Maurizio Pollini on Spotify

#2 Johann Strauss II: Famous Waltzes

Johan Strauss II is a 19th-century Viennese composer who was called the “king of waltzes” during his lifetime. Dancing to waltzes and other music like polkas were very popular in Vienna then and He was almost like today’s rock stars. Some of his music was used in movies. This album is a Japanese compilation performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker (“Wien Phil”) and conducted by Willi Boskovsky, a local conductor who grew up with this music. He was known for playing the violin while conducting especially at the New Year’s Concert.

Strauss, J.: Famous Waltzes - The Blue Danube; Emperor Waltz etc., an album by Johann Strauss II, Wiener Philharmoniker, Willi Boskovsky on Spotify

#3 Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphonies 5 and 6

Beethoven needs almost no explanation. He wrote and performed music during the late 18 to early 19th centuries. He was arguably the first modern “composer” who was able to be financially independent writing and publishing music. Earlier famous composers such as Mozart and Haydn were “employed” by emperors, kings, and aristocrats and wrote music on demand for parties, special occasions, etc. (something like modern day DJs) and not treated as artists.

He also lead a fascinating life filled with failed romances, family feuds, financial problems, and most of all he lost his hearing at a fairly young age. He even considered suicide. But then he wrote his most beautiful and sublime music after that. These symphonies are a bit longer than the music above - but still accessible. Symphony No. 5 is really famous for its “ta-ta-ta-taan” motif which really evolves through the first movement. No. 6 is called “Pastorale” and is an early example of “program music” — a kind of music that tries to represent experiences and feelings. No 5., in contrast, is considered “absolute music,” which is more of an exercise in taking a purely musical idea and evolving it.

Beethoven: Symphony Nos.5 & 6, an album by Ludwig van Beethoven, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan on Spotify

That’s it for this round. Hope I didn’t overwhelm you already! Start with just listening and enjoying the music, then read my notes if you like.

I would love to hear what you think about these albums and your experiences!