Classical composers, symphonies

Sibelius, Dvorak, and of course Beethoven for sure. 

No one has mentioned any American composers yet - be sure to check out Arron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Howard Hanson. Specifically don't miss Copland's Symphony #3 on the Reference Recording label (an audiophile's wet dream), Barbers Symphonies #1 & 2, but especially his Violin Concerto, and Hanson's Symphonies (on Delos or Naxos)  especially his #2. There are more, but their music may be a bit modern for your tastes.

Have fun - wish I were just starting out again. :-)

Re Sibelius, Symphony #2 is a favorite of most coming new to this music. It is more  'romantic' than most of his music and it is usually played 'big'. His first symphony is more like some of Tchaikovsky's symphonies in its style (however it is music unique to Sibelius). His later symphonies are more modern in style, albeit still very accessible. FWIW, IMHO, not withstanding these observations I think the best of Sibelius' symphonic music  is  found in Symphonies #4, 5, and 6. These works are leaning more towards the modern a bit but are still very tonal and accessible. Symphony #4 is probably best left for last but I found it my favorite once I had absorbed it. 

twoleftears, I have more than two performances. :-)

But I must admit I rarely listen to them now. Farberman’s is, at this stage of my life, or it could be argued, any stage of my life, too long! :-)

Just for fun I put on Botstein’s (on Telarc) as it's the shortest of the bunch 70min +/-, I still fell asleep. Some nice music there, somewhere, if you stay awake. :-)