Classical music is notoriously difficult to appreciate and for the most part inaccessible to the novice listener. It can feel overwhelming to find an entry point, and the process of developing an ear for it and your own style preferences can be intimidating.
My mom, who knows nothing about classical music, unknowingly played a crucial role in fostering my love for this genre when she gave me a random compilation CD of classical piano pieces, shortly after I started taking lessons. Then I saw the film "Amadeus” (a film about the life of Mozart) that heavily influenced me and kept me curious in the classical world. Perhaps it was these two formative memories that brought me to it, or maybe the music just called to me. In the end, no one pushed me towards classical music, I was naturally drawn to it.
I am grateful that classical music entered my sphere at an early age. The early exposure eventually led me to study music academically in college, where I really cemented my deep appreciation and understanding of the repertoire.
I recognize that diving into classical music without guidance can be daunting. So, I’ve curated a collection of my favorite classical pieces for you. There is so much more I can say, but let’s start with these top personal hits as a jumping off pointing. And just maybe, this playlist can serve as your classical CD, getting you more curious about the world of classical piano repertoire.