Classical music newbie needs your suggestions

Personally, I really like Rachel Podger of Channel Classic Records.  Just about anything by her is wonderful.

"The Symphony should be the World" - Gustav Mahler (1860-1910). The greatest symphonic composer who took the romantic vision into the Twentieth Century! You can’t go wrong with Leonard Bernstein’s conducting of any of the Mahler nine symphonies. I suggest starting with No.1 and then 2,3,4 ...9. Take your time because the depth of emotional expression and complexity increases!

Any Mozart among those opera records?  If so, have a listen before you decide to sell. There are some real jewels to be found in Mozart's opera oeuvre.

Mahler's First and Fourth Symphonies. Tunes. Drama. Worlds so real you find yourself walking around in them. Planet Earth in music. And yeah, Bernstein is a pretty good bet.

Chopin's Piano Etudes played by Maurizio Pollini. Things don't get much more virtuosic, passionate and romantic. Chopin and Pollini wear their hearts & souls proudly on their sleeves.

BTW, there's no math in these works. No intellectual concepts to tackle. Just stories told in music, with a few thrill rides thrown in to add spice..

Mozart's Symphony #29. Genial, happy, and loaded with tunes.