Buidling a Classical Library - MUST HAVES!

I have a widely varied collection, but I also have several pieces that I believe are essential enough to have several different performances. Pictures at an Exhibition, Fanfare for the Common Man, The 1812 Overture, The Firebird, Rhapsody in Blue, Pines/Fountains of Rome and and Symphonie Fantastique are some that I have obtained several performances of. Otherwise, my collection consists of most of most composers.

Sugarbie...you're so right about Zander's Rite of Spring! Too bad their reprise performance last year was NOT as good as this decade old one. I happen to meet that guy who's recorded explosive gasp at the finale at Jordan Hall this past fall, and he turned me on to Zander's Mahler's Sixth---the hammerblows will catapult you out of your seat! (They're done with a large mechanic's wrench striking a kettledrum crate, and Zander gives you all THREE of 'em!) Check it out. Ernie

1. Chopin piano pieces, Artur Rubinstein (Etudes, Mazurkas by Maurizio Pollini or Nocturnes by Daniel Barenboim for better sound quality) 2. Anything played by Arthur Grumiaux, especially violin sonatas, concertos, etc, of J.S. Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven -- mostly good sound too. 3. Beethoven Violin Sonatas by David Oistrakh (Itzahk Perlman for better sound on #2 and #5). 4. Tchaikovsky symphony cycle, Mariss Jansons (a superb cycle in terms of both sound and performance) 5. Schubert songs, Elizabeth Schwarzkopf (Kathleen Battle for better sound) -- you may want to start with her 11 Schubert lieder collections along with Mozart lieders. Check out his late quartets too. (or, Edvard Grieg lieders, Anne Sophie von Otto, if you like lieder) 6. Albeniz piano music, Alicia Delarrocha (start with Iberia) 7. Debussy Suite Bergamasque on piano, Jacques Rouvier (or, Eugene Ormandy for orchestra which includes Clair De Lune from the suite and La Mer). 8. Beethoven piano sonata cycle (start with 8 and 14), Alfred Brendel (Emil Gilels for 21, 23) 9. Elgar Cello concerto, Jacquelin Du Pre on Cello. (or, Dvorak Cello concerto, Yo-Yo Ma) 10. Wagner orchestral highlights from the Ring, Szell. Most of them are critically acclaimed and quite popular among classical lovers, so good place to start a collection along with the suggestions of others, I think. You may want to grab Penguin Guide to Classical CD or Gramophone publications for tons of good classical music out there. Next year for the Vikes, or maybe not darn....

Interesting suggestions. Two replies mention getting information from radio stations. My local PBS has several hours of classical music weekly. As well as collect suggestions, you might want to listen to FM classical stations with notepad handy to write down the music publisher and CD number when you hear something that appeals to you. You will certainly be exposed to more obscure offerings as well as better known works, and some of them may really appeal to you. Also, check out the Penguin Guide to Compact Disks (about $25). It's an excellent resource listing recordings and providing great information about their quality.

I would like to take a second to thank all the postings for the great information. I've already ordered a few from the above list. I'd like in particular to thank Sugarbrie who has been most helpful here and in a email. Thanks again!