Pazar 3 Ara 2006, 15:18

So I believe I should like classical music: I like to think I'm not a neanderthal.

Most of the recordings I've listened to seem a little weedy, but when I've seen/heard live orchestras playing the likes of Rachmaninov, things seem a lot better.

I think I lean towards the apocalyptic rather than the beautiful - Wagner has been suggested previously because of use of suspension and discord, but I don't know where to start. And there must be others that come recommended!
Classical radio seems to favour the easy listening side of things, but I'm not a fan of background music. So…
What's a good piece? What's a good recording?
What could I look out for in Modern Classical?

Here follows a list of composers, so the right people can help me out!
Bach Schubert Mozart Beethoven Schumann Verdi Chopin Elgar