25 records to start a classical music collection

Some recommendations for the classically-curious.
I probably pronounced some names wrong. This is why classical radio jockey's make the big bucks.

Below is some entry level gear I recommend to new vinyl and audio enthusiasts:

Turntables

Phono Preamp

Integrated Amplifiers

Speakers

DAC

Headphones

[joedeegan]

Am 75 years old & have been into classical since the late 1950's Enjoyed your presentation.

[AAA-iwml]

Ive been collecting vinyls recently which has been pretty hard for a now 14 yr old. Ive only got pop and ive been searching everywhere for classicals. Thank you so much for the help

[stereo]

I'm always late to the party, but I love your take on music. You're fresh, young, well spoken, and obviously very well educated. Keep up the good work here and may life reward you ten fold.

[AsTheTableTurns]

Thank you! I was searching your videos to see if you had an introduction list to classical but I couldn’t find one. This is a big help to novices like me.

[jivy]

Michael, thanks for the great information. I have always wanted to dive into classical but the selection and names were overwhelming. Jazz has always been my go-to, but after receiving my order from Acoustic sounds with many of the titles you mentioned I can safely say I'm hooked!

[ejtonefan]

Thank you Michael for this episode. You are one of a kind who speaks with experience and authority about Classical music and vinyl! There are plenty of "authorities" on most of the other genres of music. I discovered your channel in 2017 when you presented "A Guide to Collecting Classical Music on Vinyl". This guide is essential to understanding vinyl in general and is more unique than I think you realize. Audio clarity is essential in the appreciation of music, particularly classical music where there are generally a lot of different instruments being played and timbres heard. With "audiophile" grade LPs, the listener can better hear and comprehend what the composer, conductor and orchestra intended to be heard. This hobby doesn't have to be expensive. All of your recommendations for entry level audio equipment can bring that "sparkle to the ear". Also, I would rather have one of the recent "audiophile" remasters than a bunch of inferior sounding recordings. I know you are busy finishing your classical studies, however, any and all features on classical music are greatly appreciated!

[mlblue]

Thanks, I appreciate your information on these recordings.

[bobsykes]

Thank you! Amazing. Definitely a few Christmas presents I'll buy for myself among all of these recommendations. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[Tojazzer]

Those are great picks. You've given me something more to think about. Thanks for the post. Also, your French pronunciation is pretty good. Your time in Quebec is paying off!

[angelroman]

Marvelous video. As a neofit in classical music, ive learned a lot with these recommendations. We need a second part. Another 25 gems to own on vinyl! Greetings from Spain

[DeAudiofilosyLocos]

Such a great list!. I myself need to look into these for the most part. I do enjoy my copy of Saint Saens with Munch way too often. Such an underrated composer...

[dwashington]

Hi Michael,
Thank you for making this video. I’ve always admired how much knowledge you have when it comes to describing music and pressings. I’ve collected classical music through the year, but unfortunately not on vinyl. You remind me of a friend I had that used to work in the classical music department at J&R Music World in NYC. It’s long been closed for years. He would always have various choices for me to choose from. He was like a classical music walking encyclopedia. He had a huge collection of classical music he had collected for over 70 plus years. Unfortunately, he passed away year ago. I’ll be saving this video for future reference whenever I can afford to purchase music. Food comes first for me my friend. Thanks again for making this video. My friend Jeffery would have really liked you.

[mazzysmusic]

This was great Michael. Although I know some of these pieces of music from my record store days I no longer own many of them on vinyl anymore and you’ve inspired me to dive back in. A perfect holiday gift \. BTW my package is on the way to you. Just a small offering. Best to you on Christmas and in the new year. Cheers ✌🏻

[tweakerman]

Love your knowledge & thank you, for this video, I'll check out all 25 LP's, excellent video👍

[FleagleSangria]

New guy here, thank Ken for sending me your way;)

Fairly clueless on classical. This was VERY helpful. I think folks who are not sure where to start simply get frustrated/overwhelmed and, well, they dont start at all.

Ill be having some great fun getting started properly! Thanks!

subscribed👍🏻

[NotedArchived]

MJ - this is such a welcome and lovely video. thanks for all your hard work and research - years and years of listening and playing have gone into this list. profound. so many new titles for me to investigate. enjoy your family time in austin and be well, my friend. happy holidays!

[TorontoJon]

Great recommendations, Michael. I especially love the Fritz Reiner RCA Living Stereo performance of Rimsky-Korsakoff's 'Scheherazade' and I have both an Analogue Productions reissue as well as an original "shaded dog" version. It is truly spectacular. :)

[jackspeight]

Hi Michael. I know a lot about classical music and classical recordings but am completely ignorant to the audiophile, vinyl pressing side of things. Your information over a few videos as helped stay away from low quality pressings (even if the actual performances are good). Helped me a lot, thanks.

[vinylrescueband]

In an online world of Idiocracy, this video is an oasis of valuable information and discussion. Thank you. I also appreciate the credit you give to Andre Previn's recordings which are highly underrated in my opinion. His conducting from the piano of Mozart's Piano Concerto in C Minor K.491 in my personal favorite.

[lawrencejhutchinson]

You can't live without: 1.Haydn's cello concerto in c Rostropovich with Britten or Iona Brown 2.Mozart's clarinet concerto Jack Brymer with Marriner or Beecham 3.Carlos Kleiber's recordings of Beethoven 5, Brahms 4, and Schubert 8 4.Brahms violin concerto Krebbers with Haitink 5.Beethoven violin concerto Perlman or Krebbers