Reader Digest Version Global
Sep 17, 2012 04:50 PM EDT

‘Classify’ Makes Classical Music Accessible, More Awesome

by Damon Beres

Though I’m a big music fan, I’ve never really gotten into classical. Maybe it’s because my parents preferred the soundtrack to Murphy Brown when I was growing up, or maybe it’s because the genre has an intimidating centuries-long history.

Enter Classify, an app created by the X5 Music Group for Spotify that puts 52 legendary composers at your fingertips. I’ve used it consistently since its release and can’t recommend it enough. It allows you to sort through a massive collection of music by mood (“Dark,” “Relaxing,” etc), theme (“Gregorian Chant”), composer, era, and instrument. Best of all, it includes detailed information about each item, putting the tunes into context and allowing even the most alternative of rockers a way into the fascinating world of classical music.

Thanks perhaps to a few months spent in the Czech Republic, I’m partial to Antonín Dvořák, a late romantic composer. (Listen with Spotify by clicking below.) But of course, there’s much more to explore. Any recommendations?

We also recommend:

Mel Brooks Tells Funny Stories, and His Favorite Joke

Suddenly, Mel Brooks is hot …again! At age 86, the writer/director of such comedy classics as The Producers, Blazing Saddles… Read More >>

Larry the Cable Guy's Funniest Episodes

Larry the Cable Guy as an honorary beekeeper on the History Channel's “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy.” Thanks… Read More >>

Health Shocker: Why Water Is Making You Fat

You might not be surprised to see water at the top of the list of ingredients in soups. After all, soup does require a lot of… Read More >>

RD Recommends

Your Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus