Manny, It seems like you mentioned everything that I wanted to but forgot. You've got good taste. I know there are still many others. I haven't come across many classical works I don't like! As far as Bernstein, Copland, and Gershwin (and maybe a few others) go, they are not true classical composers, but most of the people we mentioned are not (and just because you are a great composer does not make you classical either). Bach and Handel were Baroque composers for example. And there was a classical period. But labels such as those are seldom used. We lump everything from Baroque to Romantic to early American folk type music into the classical category. Just asking for favorite instrumental music wouldn't be correct though either, because that would include a lot of jazz and R&B that would never be considered classical, although Bernstein had a lot of jazz in his music. You are right in saying they are classical though. I was just clarifying what you said a little.
Ummm...you are right if you want to get literal about the meaning of a "classical" composer because the "classical" period came after the Baroque and before the Romantic..that would have been like 1750-1820...or to Beethoven's death which was only 7 years later. Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven were really big 3 composers of the Classical period although some historians lump Schubert in there...reminds me his "Unfinished Symphony" should have been mentioned by me. Of course, the US didn't have much, composer-wise, in the Classical Era because we were just starting as a nation. William Billings is about the only name that comes to mind that was American and doing music...some of which is still done today. Edward McDowell (believe that's the guy's name) was the first American composer to gain an international reputation . However, the 3 I have listed are probably the most well-known. You could throw in Samuel Barber and maybe even John Cage, but they pale in comparison to George, Aaron, and Leonard.
Hey, this is the first "music" thread I've enjoyed! Manny must be a musicologist. I can't begin to keep up with his other music threads and I can't keep up with this one either. I'm raw, untutored. I stand corrected!
Sorry, sub...didn't see your post until now. I usually go with the RCA series that is entitled "The Basic 100" (it might be just known as "The 100"). I have found that they are high-quality recordings and features some of the most well-known orchestras and conductors. Another good series is the Prince Charles series which I think is on Sony. However, the definitive answer to your question can be found in this book here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/014051497X/qid=1014130977/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-2855424-3497609 Considered the bible of classical music, by many, the Penguin guide should be an essential for someone wanting to start a classical CD collection. Your local library may have a copy if you don't want to buy it or you might get lucky and find a book at the library that gives you recommendations straight from Penguin. I hope this helps...I may try to do some further research this weekend (when I have time) and see if I can narrow it down farther.
Sorry Manny, I wasn't trying to be mean. And I wasn't implying that you didn't know or that you were wrong. Just offering the information is all.
