Missouri Classical Music News

1. Go with what you like. There are plenty of DWMs (Dead White Males) we have been told we should like but don’t. If Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique” turns you off, skip Berlioz and go on to Bernstein.

2. Start with something manageable, not a composer’s biggest, most boffo piece. Pick Mahler’s tuneful First Symphony, not his huge Third. If you like it, venture forth. With operas, start with a sampler from various operas by someone whose voice you find appealing, like tenor Ben Heppner (hint, hint).

3. Picking the right version can be crucial. For most major works of classical music, you’ll find several performances by different musicians or ensembles. As a youngster I yawned through Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony until I found Bruno Walter’s 1959 version (remastered on Sony and available for $5.99), which brought it to life.