Classical music newbie needs your suggestions


I purchased around 300 like new classical albums last summer. Music from a wide range of composers. I also purchased around the same amount of operas. (I may sell those).

I’m finally retired and able to pursue a lifelong desire to understand and enjoy classical music.

Pieces that move you to tears, or pluck heart strings. Your all time favorites.
The albums you’d take to that desert island.
Any suggestions are welcome.

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Showing 1 response by crustycoot

When I was in high school my older brother made a list of his top 10 to start me on my journey of discovery.  Here are some, with my own additions;

Bach…The Musical Offering, Mass in B minor

Mozart…Symphony #40 in G minor, Clarinet Quintet in A.

Haydn…any Salomon London Symphonies

Beethoven…The odd numbered symphonies from 3 to 9, late String Quartets, late Piano Sonatas (but they’re all good).

Schubert…String Quintet in C…called the Great for a reason! Also late piano pieces.

Chopin….Sonatas, Preludes, Ballades, etc. 

Leaping over the mid 19th C. to Brahms…Piano Concertos 1 & 2.  But Mendelssohn Symphony 4 is great, and Wagner has a few fans, I hear.

Mahler…Symphonies 1, 2, 6, 9.  This is heavy stuff!  
Ravel….Afternoon of the Faun
Stravinsky…The Rite of Spring

Bartok…Concerto for Orchestra …

Then there’s Shostakovich!

and….IMO, why did you wait so long!