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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I'll keep it simple. Classical beginners enjoy Beethoven and especially Mozart. Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik and Beethoven any symphony, especially the 6th or any. As far as getting into opera, anything with Kiri Te Kanawa or my absolute favorite  Leontyne Price who will absolutely kick your ass. Also anything with Dame Joan Alston Sutherland. Please check this out. What got me into opera was a record by by a British punk producer named Malcolm McLaren from the Sex Pistols days called "Fans" It's based on a Puccini opera "Madam Butterfly" but it rocks and the opera vocals are excellent. Check it out.

By the way it also based on Puccini's opera Carmen. Very excellent. I will get you into Opera...I promise. 

Don't be too hasty in discarding the opera. 

I was of the same opinion regarding classical music versus opera and now I listen to opera exclusively.

@thomas_vick Is correct. Start with Puccini and enjoy the ride.

 

For superior sonics, Stereophile and The Absolute Sound magazines have a “records to die for “ list .  Not sure if you can look online.

maybe Google “most popular classical music” where I got this link:


You can also look at Discogs for album reviews