classical suggestions

Here's another starter book that might be useful:
"The Vintage Guide to Classical Music" by Jan Wafford, Vintage Books (1992).

This gives short biographies of the great composers of western classical music, and will provide great descriptions of the signifance of their works to read about while you are listening to your new classical cd collection.

Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto, late Mozart Piano Concertos..pretty "big" sounds and great music in addition to those listed already. To see how "big" a sound can come from a string quartet--Beethoven's Op 130 with the Grosse Fuge. (some of the best music ever written, Beethoven's late quartets). I guess I feel composer is more important than size of sound.. Good Luck!

I would recommend "The Classical Music Experience" by Dr. Julius Jacobson. Comes with 2 sampler CD's that allow you to read and then listen to excerpts from the composer. It was just what i was looking for when i wanted to learn more about classical. about $40 from borders/barnes&noble but can get cheaper at amazon. it's also got an offer in back for a free 3rd sampler cd. enjoy.

Mahler's 1st sympony by the NYPO, conducted by
Leonard Bernstein -- you're going to love it. Personally,
I would recommend staying away from the Beethoven's
5th type things -- you've heard them too much. But --
that's just me. I also recommend Simply Baroque by
Yo Yo Ma, but I prefer the second one to the first. On
the other hand, you said you don't like small string
groups so you might not like that one. I prescribe
Mahler. Lots and lots of Mahler. It fits your description
of big sounding symphonies, his music hasn't been
done to death at weddings and on TV commercials,
it is really great music, and since you probably have a
system geared towards classical, it will make your
system sound great.

Stravinski, The Rite of Spring and Fireworks by the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra -- PLUS -- Petrouchka
by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by
Seiji Ozawa. [BMG 09026-63311-2]