There are probably a million and one ways of putting together a music collection, any of which will work. They all pretty much have the same thing in common: buy a piece of music and add it to your collection. So what do I have to offer? A couple of suggestions if you will...

1) Decide if you will collect CD's or MP3's or both. Personally I go for the CD's and from time to time add in some MP3's and convert a lot of my CD's into MP3's.

2) Determine a buying strategy. Mine is to purchase at least 2-3 albums every other month. In reality this works out to more like 5-7 CD's every 3-4 months, but at least it's consistent.

3) Spread out your purchases amongst the composers, genres, etc. of the classical music you do like. I tend to pick something up from Mahler or Dvorak, a Cello work, and then a couple of others amongst the various composers I like. And then every third or fourth purchase I pick up stuff that has pickled my interest. For example, I've come to really like what I've heard from Leos Janacek, but don't have anything of his yet. Guess what's on my shopping list?

4) If you use a site like Arkiv Music, make use of it's wish list to keep a list of music that you are interested in but haven't gotten yet. I tend to pick up most everything but maybe one selection per purchase from my wish list and I keep around 100-120 items there. This way I am sure to be in the mood for something(s) on the list when I make my purchases.

Anyway hope this helps!

Ludwig van Beethoven has such a repitore that it can be difficult for the newbie to classical music to get a handle on all that is available. It can be said of the same thing for several other composers as well, but Beethoven is one of those composers that seem to naturally draw people into classical music. Mostly because he is so familiar to use, even before we get into classical music to begin with. People tend to know at least something about Beethoven even if they couldn't tell you what music is his or recognize it if they heard it.

Beethoven's music for those new to classical and to collecting classical music can be broadly defined in 3 main areas:

1) Symphony
2) Concertos
3) Piano

Arkiv Music lists 5,464 recordings available through them. That's a lot of music. These recordings are divided into

Editor note: There was a lot more to this post. No idea what happened to it though. Will try to repost later.

I take a lot of pride in my classical music collection. Each piece of music that I add usually comes with a lot of thought, some research and information gathering and at least some appreciation of the musicical piece coming into my collection.

Within a reasonably short period of time, I've managed to put together a fair sized music collection, though I will be the first to call it small in comparrison to those who've been collecting a lifetime. I've identified various orchestras and conducters that I like, so if I am ever "lost" in figuring out which recording I want, I have some other factors such as these that can help make up my mind.

With this month the start of composer month, and that composer being Beethoven, I'm going to try and give some insight into how I select my music and will be using Beethoven as my example, from figuring out what to select to the where and how of it.

The reason why I am doing this is to hopefully give some insight into this process for someone else who may be completely new to the collecting of classical music recordings. If it helps just one person out there, then it will have been worth it.

Enjoy and more to come!

I'm sure it doesn't come as a big suprise that I'm highlighting Dvorak today. As I look through my previous posts it makes me realize I need to talk about other composers I listen to as well! You'd think I only listened to 3 or 4 of them.

I first heard Dvorak's "A Hero's Song" late one night on NPR. I simply fell in love with the piece and quickly sought it out and added it to my collection. If you are a fan of Dvorak's later symphonies (7th through 9th) then you will love his tone poems and shorter pieces like this.

Recently on my Pandora station I was introduced to Leos Janacek. I am glad I was. Another Czech composer like Mahler and Dvorak, it was the final nail in my own coffin of realizing that I do have a particular taste beyond what I used to describe. Previously I would describe my interest mainly in Romantic period symphonies and concertos, especially cello concertos. Now, with the advent of learning and listening to Janacek's music, I can narrow the above down even more to: A strong interest in Romantic period instrumental music with a strong inclination towards nationalist music of the Czech Republic and Russian composers.

I know, a biker, gamer geek such as myself, saying all of that? And with a straight dace? Man, I've come a long way since Bon Jovi.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been checking out this blog! I would also like to encourage you to become a follower and leave your comments here!

Coming up in June I expect to blog about:

- What I've been listening to lately
- Recent selections and purchases
- More reviews!
- More information about my personal collection
- Expanded vocabulary page
- Expanded web site pages of use to other Classical Newb's out there

I look forward to writing more blogs soon, so stay tuned!