Beginner's Guide

Welcome to the Classical.com Guide to Classical Music. 
If you're reading this, chances are you're a bit overwhelmed by the vast array of music available. Don't despair! Throughout this beginner's guide we will suggest pieces of music that make a good starting point for exploring the world of classical music. Some you may recognise; others may be new to you. In any case you will have the opportunity to hear lots of different types of music, so you should be able to find something that appeals!

 

At the movies 
Much of the music used in Hollywood blockbusters is borrowed from classical music. Have a look at our films section and see if there's anything you recognise.

  

Timeline
Classical music covers a vast period of history. For convenience, musicians split it into historical periods. Have a look at the timeline to see the development of music over the last thousand years.
 

10 Composers you should know!
Baffled by your Berlioz and Bach? Learn about 10 important composers we think you should know more about.

 

Concert Essentials Guide
Listening to classical music live is the best way to get the full nerve tingling, jaw-dropping experience. And the good news is, it doesn't have to be expensive.

Guide to the Instuments of the Orchestra
If you are new to classical music you may be unfamiliar with the instruments of the orchestra. This is the section for you! Pictures, descriptions and playlists...

Guide to Musical Occasions
Choosing appropriate music for a particular occasion can be a tricky task. Music can have associations with particular events, or sound ‘happy’ or ‘sad’.

10 Great Pieces
Here’s a list of ten great pieces. They are not the ten greatest pieces (if such a list were possible to make). They are all great for different reasons...

Guide to Musical Genres
If you can't tell a Sonata from a Symphony, or just want some listening suggetions sorted by genre, this is the section for you!

 

Introducing Composers
Here's a list of the great composers.