The Basic Repertoire

Classical Music Reviews

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The newest area at BasicRep.com features the budget line Sony Essential Classics.
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Sony Classics issued this bargain CD line in the 90's featuring many older recordings from their back catalog. Similar to the 'Great Performances' series, but usually containing more music per release to take advantage of the longer playing time of a CD. Featuring conductors Bernstein, Ormandy, Szell and others from the 60's and 70's, this is great series of Basic Repertoire works.

Mozart Piano Concertos

Murray Perahia recorded the Mozart Piano Concertos in the 1970s and 80s and the set has been remastered by Sony. The 12 disc set is a fairly good deal on CD but is a great bargain on MP3. These performances with the English Concert are highly recommended.

I Love The 80's [1880s that is]

Naxos is offering the MP3 collection 'I Love The 80s' free at Amazon.com. These are full recordings of seven symphonies, conducted by Marin Alsop. The works included are:

Symphony no. 3 in F Major:
Johannes Brahms
Symphony no. 1 in D Major (Titan):
Gustav Mahler
Symphony no. 5 in e minor, op 64:
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony no. 6 in D Major op. 60:
Antonin Dvorak
Symphony no. 3 in a minor (unfinished):
Alexander Porfir'yevich Borodin
Symphony no. 3 in c minor "Organ":
Camille Saint-Saens
Symphony no. 9 in d minor WAB 109:
Anton Bruckner

And the cost: FREE, so go get it!

Mozart String Quintets

Philips Trio has packaged Mozart's compete String Quintets featuring the Grumiaux Trio with guests in a great 3CD set. These are about the best set of these works you can find, and at a bargain price, and the MP3 version is an even better buy.

All About BasicRep.com:


The Composers.
Each composer has his own page with recommendations of their essential works, with biographical links and samples of works.
Blog@BasicRep.com - Musings and reviews on classical music, from CDs I have recently purchased to some thoughts and recommendations on particular works. The Blog can be found on the site here or directly at BasicRepertoire.com.


aStore - Online store with all of the selections on BasicRep.com from Amazon.com where you can preview the albums and read reviews.


CBS Great Performances - A complete listing of the classic CBS Records music line 'Great Performances' with updated links to alternate recordings and MP3 Albums.


Listen and Shop - A List of online resources where you can listen to and purchase classical music, from stores to label websites.

MP3 Bargains - Value-priced and recommended MP3 albums for download. Check out the FREE Naxos set.

Questions or comments? Email Jim at basicrep@gmail.com

Just a Note: I am in the process of adding more info to the new website, so if a composer is missing or has no reviews, you can see a recommended recordings list for any named composers, and there will be more in-depth reviews added soon.
Also, if you have any thoughts, reviews or commentary on classical music or works that you would like added to the site, please email me and I would be happy to consider it for inclusion in the site.