It depends on what you like, piano, violin. Above all it is a matter of personal taste.

I don't know much either, my dad was a huge fan though. Lately I have been going through his collection, too bad I can't ask him anymore.

I recently discovered Scarlatti Sonatas played by Christian Zacharias (piano). I liked it very much.
If you like piano then Horowitz recordings of Schuman are also recommendable.

Then there is Mendelssohn Violin Concerto In E Minor

Like I said I am new in the field as well. Great thread though curious what others have to say.

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You should be able to tune to a classical music radio.. or online.

They don't just play the music, they also mention the title, the artist and at times a bit of the story of it. It will get you familiar with some works and their artist. Than you'll go from there!

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Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know. — Rembrandt

There is poetry as soon as we realize that we possess nothing. — John Cage

I like modern treatment of and the works inspired by Paganini and fond of 'the Planets' by Holst (early 20th century classical music) - especially 'Jupiter'.

I like classical music too although I dont know very much about it either. Something very relaxing about listening to classical while sitting by the fire. There are many slections that I like but dont even know the names but listen to them on some of the XM Satellite radio channels.

Maybe this is why I was always drawn to classically influenced rock bands such as Yes, ELP, etc!

I would recommend all of Beethoven's nine symphonies.

They are an entire world of music on their own. If you want to experience the entire compass of human emotions these towering masterpieces are a must.

The 9th symphony alone is a work without equal. For me, listening to it is tantamount to a religious experience. After having heard it I just want to go out and fight evil and injustice wherever they may be found.

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http://www.lushstories.com/stories/quickie-sex/claudia-incarnatapart-vii.aspx

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If you could, would you? Satan

Gosh! So many recommendations to check out!

I'll let you know how I get on.

Thank you so much guys. xx

Classic FM in the UK is perfect for entry-level enjoyment of classical music without any snobbery attached.

A lot of the stuff played there is very familiar such as Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto no 2 (the music from Brief Encounter, later adapted to "All By Myself" in the 1970s) and Debussy's Clair De Lune (the music from the remake of Ocean's 11) - other stuff may have a very familiar feel: Dvorak sounds very familiar because he's been ripped off mercilessly over the years for every film score John Williams has done.

A site you might find useful for finding bits of classical music you like: Song of the Salesman - it tells you what music they're playing on UK adverts ;)

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Why not read some stories instead

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If you could, would you? Satan