I have never listened to Stravinsky but want to. Some of my favorite composers are 20th century composers and Stravinsky is almost always spoken of with high regard. The problem is that I don't know where to start. What pieces do you like a lot or what do you think I should start with?

The Firebird.... and four sketches for orchestra

I'm going to go to my local record store and pick all 5 of those up. I'm sure I'll fall in love with him I just didn't want to start off on the wrong foot and not give him another chance for a few years. I did that with John Cage in the mid 90's but now love him dearly.

Thanks for your recommendations and anybody else wants to add anything than feel free.

Thanks for the heads up. I see 4 string quartets in his body of work. I'll have to give them a try.

I'll second the Firebird Suite recommendation.

get kazuhito yamashita's solo guitar performance of the firebird, too, while you're at it. i could upload it for you if you like.

get kazuhito yamashita's solo guitar performance of the firebird, too, while you're at it. i could upload it for you if you like.

Thanks for the offer but I'll buy it. I'm really getting into Stravinsky and don't have a problem dropping some cash on his work.

The Firebird suite is brilliant. I'd recommend the LSO/Dorati-Mercury Living Presence 1959 version for pure explosiveness.

I came in to recommend the Firebird Suite as well - it's a log time favorite and was my intro to 20th century. Have you bought and listened to it yet?

For 20th century, I'd also recommend Arvo Part. Different from Stravinsky, but I've been buying more and more of his discs. Great stuff, check him out.