Essential CD Collection

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Baroque - Classical - Romantic - Modern - Composers

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The Essential CD Collection is a starting point for anyone interested in building a classical collection. These works vary in style and era, but all are what I consider the best of the best. Each work is a highlight in the Basic Repertoire, and will hopefully lead you to explore other great composers. By design, the selections below are not included in the recommended works listed in each musical era [Baroque / Classical / Romantic / Modern], in order to give a broader selection for you to choose from.

Pachelbel - Canon in D Major
Borodin - Nocturne for String Orchestra
Vaughan Williams - Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
Tchaikovsky - Serenade In C For Strings
Conductor: Slatkin - St. Louis Symph Orch
Label: TELARC - Catalog: 80080
The Pachelbel Canon is instantly recognizable, and Slatkin and the St. Louis SO bring out the best in this small work. The disc has the added bonus of several romantic era compositions by Borodin and Tchaikovsky.

Mozart - Symphonies 39-41
Conductor: Walter - New York Phil
Label: Sony - Catalog: 64477
This is a classic recording by Bruno Walter and the New York Philharmonic, performing Mozart's last three Symphonies. This is a great place to begin any CD collection. The recording is in mono, being from 1953, but that is of little consequence. The sound quality is great, and the performance exemplary.

The Goldberg Variations - 1955
Performer: Glenn Gould
Label: Sony - Catalog: 38479
Bach's solo keyboard work The Goldberg Variations is a study in the wonders of a variation on a theme. Bach transforms a simple melody in ways that astound us today. The performer that is most closely associated with this work is Glenn Gould. His 1955 recording was a landmark that brought the Variations into the Basic Repertoire.

Appalachian Spring
Rodeo & Billy The Kid suites
Fanfare for the Common Man
Conductor: Bernstein - NY Phil
Label: Sony Classics - Catalog: 63082
Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic give stellar performances of American composer Aaron Copland's famous works. From Fanfare to Rodeo, these works contain melodies that recall the essence of Americana. A wonderful recording.