CBS Records (now Sony) had a great classical series of reissued recordings called 'Great Performances'. This was by far the best of the budget classical series of the 1980's. These are digitally remastered analog recordings from the late 1950's up to the early 1970's. I highly recommend them, and do not think you can go wrong with any of these recordings. The series features conductors Bernstein, Ormandy and Szell with the NY Phil, Cleveland Orch, Philadelphia Orch, and many soloists. Just a great series, each with a small booklet with information about the works and composers, a nice touch that seems to be lacking in some newer budget lines. The CBS GP Series has been discontinued, or had the recordings rolled into the Sony 'Essential Classics' series. However, many, if not all, of these compilations were issued on CD and many are still available. The average cost is under $9, and every recording is from very good to excellent.

Sony is resurrecting the Great Performances line with new releases. These are new works or replacement performances from the old GP line [Handel Water Music for example, is now complete, not just the suite, and performed by Tafelmusik, and the John Williams guitar contains newer performances]. Since this has by far been the most popular part of BasicRep.com, I have revamped the listing to include all the CDs in this series. The links will take you either to the original CD, or a re-release under the Sony Essential Classics label. Almost all of the Bernstein recordings were repackaged under the Bernstein Century line [which may be relaced soon], so links point to these releases. Also, I have changed the store to Amazon.com since many of these CDs can be purchased used.
Now included is the Sony GP line, which can also be accessed below.