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

sorry I'm a bit late getting back. life demands my attention a bit more of late.

@cd
@tablejockey
@roberjerman
@hemoncdoc
@jimcrane
@all others....

many thanks

Great start!! THANK YOU!

I was in band from elementary into high school. playing trumpet and coronet.

joined local big band jazz band for two years prior to military service.

currently learning electronic keyboard.

I've been collecting music and avidly investigating various genres since 2000. usually one at a time as is my curiosity at the moment.

now its time I believe, to check out classical music more closely.

I tend to favor strings and piano, but enjoy full on orchestras just how I like pizza.... with everything on it!

one piece I heard some years back which i dearly loved but lost its title was conducted by I believe the name had these words; Sir + either Raleigh or Walter (not sure if it is the first or sur name), but for sure it was a Beethoven concherto/sonata for violin or viola. it was the most engaging piece I've heard in my woefuylly limited eXP, then or since.

I know for a fact 'Sir' preceeded his name.

I heard it on a local Fm channel and never thought to call 'em up and ask about it.

it was sort of a tear jerker kind of tune. solo violin thru most of it. plainly beautiful.

on hand are lots of Mozart, Beethoven, Back, some Handel, of course The Nutcracker, but not too much diversification otherwise.

while there are as well various popular cuts from Listz, Devor, Rafael, etc., it amounts to a paltry sampling of the classics IMHO.

again many thanks for all of this input.
No one has mentioned: Rimsky-Korsakoff Scheherazade.
True I can't pronounce the names. True I am a complete 
novice in this arena. Is my choice wrong, uninformed or
simply classless?

Excellent advice from Stringreen.  I would add what would likely be an important aspect of any good music appreciation class.  Approach your exploration of this fantastic genre in a way that looks at and considers the chronology of the evolution of the music.  Music from more recent periods or current are much more meaningful and more easily appreciated if there is, at least, some exposure to music from earlier periods.  Enjoy!  

https://youtu.be/qFXrMrp1o60
Dvorak Symphonie no 9 is a big one. Bruno Walter has a heavy duty version.

For Opera I suggest not to miss La Boheme (Puccini) with Pavarotti/Freni. A very live recording with fantastic voices.

Look for version where the orchestra is recorded in the center and 
a far away. IMO gives the most natural experience.

Recordings of the same piece differs a lot so it may take some time to find your favourite. To have a library like Tidal's is super.