Can you recommend some 'introductory' classical music for my dd please?

[Mercy]

I have no idea about classical music but dd (nearly 7) likes listening to it (for relaxing and imaginatory purposes)

Atm she likes listening/watching 'The Draughtsman's Contract' on Youtube, also Classic FM (but too many adverts Mummy). She also liked the Schubert and Bruchner (sp?) cds which we found when we were on holiday last year.

She seems to like mellow cello or violin based music so would be grateful for any suggstions.

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

Always a favourite!

What about Bach cello sonatas? Very nice and mellow. Violin - Tartini?

Does your local library have a good stock of CDs? A good way of trying out new things.

Also there are some really good classical music stations you can get over t'internet - DH listens to a Swiss one (can't remember the name) that has good stuff on. Classic FM fries the brain after a while and the adverts are really annoying.

Swan Lake - lovely cello of "dying swan"?

Meditation from Thais?

Bruch or Mendleson Violin Concerto?

these are the things I am thinking of

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cello_Suites_(Bach)

I would start on popular ballet type stuff

The Nutcracker

Swan Lake (as previously mentioned)

Carnival of the Animals is good too.

Second Swan Lake - a highlights CD of Swan Lake/Nutcracker.

I loved Beethoven's 6th (Pastoral) when I was a kid.

Elgar's Cello Concerto? not mellow but what a tune?

She might like the Bach Suites for Cello (Yo Yo Ma's recording is lovely), the Elgar Cello Concerto - and enjoy watching Jacqueline Dupre playing it, lots more Michael Nyman (he is very underrated IMO). There is an old Michael Nyman Band Live recording you might find in a library which has all his best soundtrack stuff
Also John Adams is fantastic - try her on Harmonielehre, Gnarly Buttons and Short Ride in a Fast Machine, also The Chairman Dances.
None of the latter is that mellow, I have to say.
And how about Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, or Satie's Gymnopedies and Gnossiennes? Not violin or cello, true, but achingly beautiful music to prime the imagination

Barber's Adagio for strings - but maybe more maudlin than mellow?

If she feels like branching into piano then Patrick Hawes: Toward the light and Einaudi: Le Onde are both lovely.

Oh - some bits of the Pride and Prejudice (2005) soundtrack might take her fancy?

As you might have twigged, I'm not really strong on Romantic music but I think most children also respond to vivid, "picture-painting" music - the Carmen and West Side Story Suites, Chabrier's Marche Espagnole, the ballet music others have recommended, Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, Offenbach's Gaites Parisiennes, Orff's Carmina Burana

Some of these classic compilations might be a good introduction to a taste of several types of composer/orchestral arrangement.

I'm sure she's a Very Grown Up Young Lady & don't want to insult her but these are lovely chill-out compilations!

Classic FM do lots of different sets of their best-loved tracks

Another vote for Swan Lake, and Vivaldi's four seasons. How lucky to have a child who enjoys such beautiful music!

Thank you for all these ideas!

I have another question! Dd has asked me to buy a Schubert cd, and a cd which has a mixture of classical music.

If I'm looking for a Schubert cd, what should I buy?

www.amazon.co.uk

have a browse they have loads of different comps & you can read other buyers reviews!

DH recommends Schubert's sonata in b flat major

he also said 'Death and the Maiden' but I think it is a tad gloomy

....and NO I don't work for Amazon !!!

This one is by a good ensemble and the sleeve notes - always excellent on Naxos - will give you both some useful background information

My all-time favourite piece is Schubert's String Quintet in C, and from what you've said I think your dd will adore the slow movement which, IMO, comes close to heaven on earth. All of the songs I know are great, and I love the piano impromptus too. I have quite a few recordings of the Quintet and would be happy to post your dd one for long-term loan if you like. In fact I have one paired with Schubert's Shepherd on the Rock, which I bet she will also love.

Death and the Maiden
I would so not recommend Ian Bostridge angsting his way through Die Schone Mullerin either, Effie!
I am really impressed by the maturity of your dd's taste mercy, good for her

ooops, got distracted halfway through typing!

Lio, my ds (just 4) has completely different taste in music (Placebo, The Strokes, Mika, McFly, David Bowie)

My first recollection of pop music was The Beatles!

OK, now DH is getting enthusiastic about Die Schone Mullerin

I keep reminding him she is SEVEN

he also suggests Messaien (don't listen)

Turangalila...?

I also have a soft spot for McFly

Impressed with your ds going for Bowie at such a young age!

PS I am going to bed soon so will CAT you a brief message and if you are interested I will post the CD.