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101 Classical Music CDs

1) Mozart:

2) Bach:

, or

3) Beethoven:

, Third Symphony and

4) Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture

5) Brahms:

,

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I'm often asked by people who are new to classical music for a list of CDs or key symphonies that I think are the best choices to start off a new classical music collection. What are ideal symphonies or works that can help you get started getting to know classical music?Today I'm going to attempt to answer this question, and I'll provide you with a brief list of works that can form the foundation of a great collection of important classical music.Keep in mind that whenever one reviews any type of list like this, invariably one can complain that a given work was left off the list ("where's Chopin? or Mahler?"), or even that some work was leftthe list ("ugh, Beethoven's 5th again?").This list is in no way meant to be exhaustive. It is merely a starting point for the novice listener. If you purchase recordings of these works and listen to each and every one of them, you'll have a great head start on your journey towards getting to know classical music as a genre.Where applicable, I've included links to other posts on--if you'd like to read more about that particular work, follow the link to do so. In addition, I've included links to Amazon at the bottom of this post where you can buy high-quality recordings of these works.* Let's begin:These two symphonies are widely thought to be Mozart's very best. And you can usually find them both on the same CD. A close second choice in my view: Symphonies 38 and 39.The Brandenburg Concertos are unparalleled works of the Baroque era. And the Violin Concerto in A minor is stately, somber and stunningly beautiful.There is no such thing as a bad Beethoven symphony--each one is a masterpiece. However, for some reason, the odd-numbered symphonies tend to resonate more with beginners.Listen to this work intently, all the way though, and tell me it doesn't bring you to tears.Although he was long afraid of the responsibility of composing a symphony (in part because of Beethoven's long shadow ), these two symphonies contain a beauty and a depth of feeling that will stand up against any other composer in history.Choose any of the twelve symphonies (#93 to #104) that Haydn wrote between the years 1791-1795, during which he made two extended visits to London. They are widely seen as his greatest works, written during a particularly fruitful period of his life--both economically and creatively.There you have it--go on out and get started building your classical music collection! Again, let me reiterate that this list is in no way exhaustive. It's merely a solid starting point for you to begin your journey through this amazing and multifaceted genre of music. I expect to return to this theme and I'll bring you more suggested "listening lists" in the future.Finally, let me close this post with a few words of encouragement. You don't need a great ear, a great musical memory, or any sort of highbrow taste in music to appreciate each and every one of these classics (although I would suggest not bothering to read any of the CD liner notes if you can help it). Remember, these symphonic works were the popular music of their era, and the Beethovens, Mozarts and Haydns were the proverbial rock stars of their time. Their music is extremely accessible to everyone. Go for it!