What types of classical music are popular in Germany these days?

Question

When I was there it seemed at least the family that I stayed with listened to a lot of baroque music and other music by German composers. I was wondering if it is uncommon for them to listen to music by American composers... which is also of course younger music. I was thinking of sending a gift to friend in Germany of a CD of a local woodwind quintet, but their CD happens to have all American pieces. I just don't want to send it if they dislike or would not really care to listen to American music. It has some Barber, Bernstein, Gershwin, some local composers etc.

Answer 1

That sounds like a very nice gift. Go ahead and send it. If you like the music then it may just be something they like, too. Most Germans I know (and I've lived in Germany for over 20 years) are open for new things. Try it out and see.

Answer 2

it's not so much what is liked in Germany than what your family likes. While it is a long stretch from baroque to more recent composers like the ones you mention, if they are interested in classical music in general, and since it's a gift from you, I'M sure they'll enjoy the gift.

Gershwin and Bernstein are quite well-known here, though maybe not quite considered classical. Barber isn't as well known, but not obscure either and if they don't know them, well I'm sure you got to know many new things staying with them so I assume they'll appreciate gtting to know something new, too.

Answer 3

Bernstein and  Gershwin are known and heard here too. they will like it in some way . (I've never heard of Barber, sorry).

Answer 4

How about Copland (or similar)??? I like him very much, and he is not very well known in Germany, if at all.

That reminds me that I should put him into the player - sorry not him but the tapes or CDs - bechause I didn't listen to his music for a long time.

Thanks for reminding me!