I love classical music and classically inspired music. I enjoy artists such as Mozart Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Liszt. Also I live bands like Epica, Kamelot, TSO, and Manowar. I am quite eclectic in my choices of listening and don't particularly hate any one genera. However, what I enjoy about classical music is not often present in more popular genera . I enjoy that a classical piece will exhibit characteristics such as theme, melody, direction, and diversity. A sing can tell a story or lull an emotive response. I'm not a huge fan of dissonance in classical music, but it can add depth to a piece, recently I've discovered dissonant harmony, which differs from the norm, very invigorating.

What I would love some input on are other genera or local of music that share some of the same traits. I really want to hear music that plays on the soul, tells a tale, or alerts the senses in some fashion. I want to stay away from cord progressions and repeated melodies.

Thanks guys!

How about some jazz from the last half of the 20th century. I like Chicago Art Ensemble. Reminds me of classical. Sometimes they pause, soundless, for several beats. Both soothing and invigorating.

Piano Guys. Philip Glass. David Lanz. David Arkenstone. David Benoit. Nightnoise. Sample them on Youtube.

Within the genre you mentioned, check out Within Temptation, Xandria, and Nightwish. Their interpretations of Symphonic Metal are quite interesting. Some (not all, unfortunately) Bluegrass music offers the complexity you seem to be looking for, as does a good bit of Hindustani music. Joypuly's suggestion of Jazz has a great deal of merit; for instance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fwofTjHYFw

Joy, thank you. I have always had a love for jazz since my high school brass days. I have loved Maynard Ferguson and Dizzy Gillespie. I do know that some of jazz has some of these characteristics, yet I have never been drawn to any artist in this way. I will definitely check out Chicago Art.

Wondergirl, also thank you, I love piano pieces. I know of David Benoit, but will check out the rest. I am listening to Cristofori's Dream as I type, utmost beauty painted by Lanz.

Catsmine, also thank you. Nightwish was also a favorite of mine after discovering Epica and Kamelot. I've heard some Xandria, will look deeper. I've never tried Within Temptation, but will definitely check it out. Bluegrass was probably one of the most influential parts of my childhood. Its been years however since I've taken a serious look into the genera. I remember listening with my grandfather to songs such as the Squires Wife along with artists like Heather Berry, before she was a Mabe. Hindustani music can go in many directions. It's a very broad genera mimics many others yet still produces true originals and other greats.


Thanks to all of you, I will post back with new favorites when I have a chance to dig deeper into these.