With the BBC Proms in mid-season, there's still time join the musical revelries. But if you think "classics" is a reference to Stairway to Heaven or Bridge Over Troubled Water, then you might want educate yourself with some focused surfing.
It took all of 30 minutes for Mozart to master his first composition. His father Leopold noted: "This piece was learnt by Wolfgangerl on January 24, 1761, three days before his 5th birthday, between 9 and 9:30 in the evening."
Find out whether Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel or Ravel's La Valse is appropriate for your fantasy concert. Create your own program, then read what other aficionados think of your choice.
In anticipation of the Last Night, exercise those vocal chords with the words to Rule Britannia. Find out the origins of this unofficial national anthem and prepare for the patriotic Promenade.
Download MP3 classics for free. You can even choose from a selection of the most popular compositions for weddings. Beethoven's Symphony No 5 is nowhere to be seen.
You've heard the music and read the reviews. Now go and see it live. Find out when and where your favourite performer or musical masterpiece is coming to town.
Even if you don't know your Bach from your Bartok, you may be a virtuoso yet. The "Cool Conductor" feature on this site enables even the most tone-deaf to become a virtual musician in less than an hour.
A directory of links to orchestras, chamber music groups, CDs, and vacancies for classical musicians are all here.
If you thought classical music was dull, think again. Renowned for her unorthodox style, Vanessa Mae is out to shock with her "pop" albums, provocative images and fashion sense.
To reach these links online and for an archive of World Online columns, go to The World Online.
