looking for ideas on must have classical music


Hello classical devotees!

A friend had me rip quite a few of his CDs for his trip abroad. most were classical, and many were like 'best of' compilations. one or two were whole symphonies.

armed with these at least and no others I felt it time to wade into the classical waters and increase that genre in my library.

what then, are your fav, 3 or 4, go to, gotta have composers, movements, and or conductors out there on CD at least?

if also available in HD or otherwise, please point towards them as well, if you don't mind.

your input is sincerely appreciated and this input will initiate my list for current and future additions to the catalog, so again, thanks very much!!
blindjim
Forgot one.  Switched-On Bach by Wendy Carlos.  A classic album demonstrating the ability of the Moog synthesizer as a keyboard instrument.  
Wagner Overtures conducted by Sir George Solti. Holst The Planets conducted by just about anyone (I favour Sir Adrian Boult). Vivaldi Le Quattro Stagioni (The Four Seasons) conducted by Trevor Pinnock. Beethoven Symphonies conducted by anyone of your choice. For modern Symphony Orchestra style Leonard Bernstein or Gunter Wand, for "period" style by John Eliot Gardner. Great performances in poor sound by Arturo Toscanini. J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concertos conducted by (again) Trevor Pinnock.
@blindjim ,
I would concentrate on listening to the composers you have already listened to and listen to more of their works.
Thinking back to my classical introduction, it was on WQXR and WNCN,but they are now either gone or shadows of their former selves.
Unfortunately, streaming services are geared for popular music and tend to have terrible playlists for classical.

Tablejockey has it right-go with the basics.
I would start with Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart. They encompass a wide time frame and you can see which style floats your boat.
Bob