What classical would you suggest to a rock fan

Cannons Ahoy

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I want to get into classical music but I don't know where should I start to get "hooked". The "main" rock genres I like are prog, blues/psychedelic rock and metal. Would you suggest a classical composer or piece for an easy start? I know some of the more popular compositions and have listened to some of them but not very actively.
 

LG

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There are quite a few good pieces you could check out Cannons Ahoy.

Mussorgsky's: Pictures at an Exhibition

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Tchaikovsky's: 1812 Overture

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Grieg's: Peer Gynt Suite, make sure it's the orchestral version without singing.

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Those are all lively pieces and well known, you've probably heard excerpts from all of them in movies/television over the years.
 

Jake T

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Für Elise - Ludwig van Beethoven



Add some screaming guitar, bass and drums and you've got a first class prog rocker.
 

Soot and Stars

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I'm not going to suggest any of the original composers but in the last year or so their's been some rock dabblings with more alternative and rock combinations. :)

In 2011 their was a duo who shredded awesomely on Cellos to some of the hardest rock songs!

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In a more experimental bent modern day success Classical Stalinist teamed up with a Prepared Pianist (One who alters and adds things to the piano for unique sounds)! The results brought Classical elements into a looser more improvised rock edge.

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Silk.Amber.Galaxy

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Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms, Beethoven, Richard Strauss (particularly, Also Sprach Zarathustra)

Most definitely Second the Holst suggestion.
 

Big Ears

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If you like progressive rock, then The Hebrides (Overture), also known as Fingal's Cave, by Felix Mendelsohn should cut the mustard. I cannot argue with any of the above, but would add Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, even though it has been a bit over exposed. Also, if you like Pictures, Mussorgsky's Night on Bare Mountain is worth hearing. Finally, I like Erik Satie's Gymnopedies, which I first heard via Rod Argent's version.
 

Julie

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Everyone likes satie, chopin and debussy, I think.

You might also dig classical guitar music, like:



 
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