http://www.classicstoday.com/features/100cds.asp

I dare to suggest Beethoven's Symphonies - At least the 5th, 6th and 9th - directed by Abbado or Thielemann, not Karajan, for starting.

Thielemann is a living legend already. And Abbado also has gone a lot around... And at least these were recorded in the last decade, so now you can get both Beethoven and sound quality, which makes it more enjoyable.

I love the opera but I wonder how you English-speaking-only guys can resist! By the way, according to me the real beginner must is the Aida by Verdi.

Mozart's operas such as Don Giovanni or Die Zauberflote are also very enjoyable but having those a very, very highly symbolical content, I would not go for a cold-barrel shot, it may be painful!

Then we have... Vivaldi, Le Quattro Stagioni - The Four Seasons. Here I'd tell: first get a string trio + piano version, then, the orchestra version.

Dvorak, Symphonies n°8 and n°9 to be listened to together, as "the Old and the New Worlds", already said.

Debussy, at least Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune

Stravinsky, at least Rite of spring and Firebird. (of which you may enjoy more a DVD/BRD version). Then comes his Symphony in C.

The I'd also look for some ancient orchestra that plays Vivaldi and Bach with original instruments . (or replicas LOL) I've got a pair of DG and oseau-lyre recordings... They make you understand many things.

And something that always helps (not a joke)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasia_%28film%29

Nearly fifty posts and no mention of Arvo Pärt?!

Arvo Pärt - Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten

P.S.

I've met some audiofools. I mean, people who have like 20 discs, 20 CDs and a millionaire Hi-Fi system... Those have also their "must" audiophile's classical audiophiles CDs, which generally include

- The Carmina Burana, by Orff

- The Symphonie Fantastique, by Berlioz

- Toccata e Fuga in Re Minore, by Bach

I've never got why, but these three are always in the "test CD" tracklist.

If you ever get a craving for the newer, more "challenging" classical music you should definitely have a look (listen ) at these:

Carl Nielsen: Danish Composer (yay! there aren't so many) - I especially love his wind quintet, clarinet concert and 3. and 6. symphony.

John Adams: "Harmonielehre", "Fearful symmetries" and "The Chaiman dances" are really awesome (if you like this kind of minimalist music)

Kalevi Aho: Has written some truly weird stuff  (e.g. the contrabassoon concerto) - But his 7. symphony:"The insect symphony" is really cool, and the clarinet concerto is just awesome

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edoardo 

P.S.

 

I've met some audiofools. I mean, people who have like 20 discs, 20 CDs and a millionaire Hi-Fi system... Those have also their "must" audiophile's classical audiophiles CDs, which generally include

 

- The Carmina Burana, by Orff

- The Symphonie Fantastique, by Berlioz

- Toccata e Fuga in Re Minore, by Bach

 

I've never got why, but these three are always in the "test CD" tracklist.

I hope you aren't trying to make some comment about my post?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrQ 

I hope you aren't trying to make some comment about my post?

 

Not at all, not at all my friend! I was already writing my last post while you where publishing the video!

And... I hope anyone doesn't misunderstand me! Those pieces are all certainly a must, too! But beware of those who exhibit them too much!

Just it! My little experience with real audiophiles!!
 

Buy this album: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/radetzky-marsch-op.228-arr./id214378559?i=214378631&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

I watch the New Year's Concert of Vienna every January 1st morning on TV since ever. :) Highly reccommended!