Top 10 CDs To Start Your Classical Music Collection

You know you should do it, but you’re not quite sure how. Every time you pass by that classical music section at the store, you’re tempted to pick something up.

But what?

Fear not. Classical CD Guide has put together a starter kit of the 10 essential CDs every classical music fan should have.

Grabbing the top spot, to no one’s surprise, is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, arguably the most famous of all classics.

Here’s the list:

1. Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 — Carlos Kleiber

2. Mozart: Piano Concertos 20, 21 — Vladimir Ashkenazy

3. Beethoven: “Pathetique” and “Moonlight” Piano Sonatas — Alfred Brendel

4. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos — Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

5. Brahms: Piano Trio No. 1 – Eroica Trio

6. Stravinsky: Rite of Spring – Igor Stravinsky

7. Schubert: “Death and the Maiden” String Quartet — Amadeus String Quartet

8. Tchaikovsky: “Pathetique” Symphony — Mariss Jansons

9. Haydn: Lord Nelson Mass – David Willcocks

10. Bizet: Carmen — Victoria de los Angeles, Sir Thomas Beecham

For more information, and links to reviews, visit Classical CD Guide.