My Interest in Classical Music.

I like all kinds of music, but I listen most to classical music and have a large collection of CDs. You grow with it, I think. You start with the "lollipops" - the first live concert I ever went to was to hear Tchaikovsky's 1st piano concerto when I was about thirteen. I rarely listen to it now, along with a lot of other pieces which I have "grown out of" - The 1812; Eine Kleine; The Four Seasons; the Planets to name four. But although you leave the pieces behind, you remain faithful to the composers. During a recent discussion with my piano teacher, I happen to say that I didn't care for Mozart's symphonies. I thought he was going to faint away with shock! I had to redeem myself by saying that I loved the operas and the choral music! I love Bach (even jazzed up Bach!), Vaughan Williams, William Walton, Ravel, Debussy..... too many to mention.

Most of what is termed 'classical' music isn't really classical at all. It's a pity we can't come up with another name for it! Strictly speaking, I suppose the classical period ended with the death of Beethoven, having began around the time of Haydn - cartainly it was after Baroque. Then later we had Nationalist, Romantic and so on... Art music? No, I don't think that would catch on...

I enjoy Classic FM when I'm in the mood. I also like live classical music but the seats are often uncomfortable. At home you can settle down, close your eyes and just 'absorb'.
I think Andre Rieu has done wonders for bringing classical music to all ages.

I go with a friend to the Halle in Manchester and we love it, but it is becoming an expensive night out. I always listen to Classic fm and I am learning all the time. Sometimes it makes me cry and sometimes it is so uplifting.

Live is good, however sometimes you have to listen to a CD or radio, and the new digital radios are near perfect.

I like to hear classical music played/sung live too, better than recordings. Even the best recordings lose something.

I think it's a shame that 'classical' music is often looked on as something rarefied and difficult. There is such variety, every emotion is reflected. I also love traditional jazz and folk music, especially English.

I often have the Classic station on in the car.. but I only know if I like something or not I never can remember who its by.. I have a terrible memory so I've given up trying ..