interested in exploring classical

Mozart is the most easily appreciated. Beethoven is more of an acquired taste.

I have found this book to be very helpful as I have explored classical music over the last seven years: "The Essential Cannon of Classical Music" by David Dubal.

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Canon-Classical-Music/dp/0865476640/ref=sr_1_3/186-8494971-9735748?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252613523&sr=1-3

I second the (internet) radio route as a primer. Play it as background music first. Note down the names of the pieces that catch your interest. Then go and buy the CD and start your critical listening session. The general idea is that don't force yourself to sit through 15-20 minutes of music just because someone tells you it is a high fidelity recording. Find the music you love first, then the rest will all come easily.

I came to an interest in some kinds of classical music only recently and find that what I like is just as unpredictable and specific as with any other genre. I have found much classical music I love but can't say I love classical music any more than I can say I love country music. I like what I like, regardless.

The idea of finding a way to sample it broadly and then follow what piques your interest is a good one, rather than buying what is considered by consensus to be the great stuff. I, for instance, have found I really love a lot of Bach's work but that almost all Mozart drives me from the room.

In addition to internet radio I would recommend a site like emusic.com where there are expert recommendations as well as playlists from regular contributors with the ability to hear samples and search for similar music.