Finding Classical Music CDs by Genre
| Where to find classical music online: |
| ArkivMusic -- Every CD currently in print, very easy to search. www.ArkivMusic.com |
| Amazon.com -- Large selection of CDs and MP3s, many customer reviews. www.Amazon.com |
| Compare these retailers... |
One of the best aspects of classical music is the immense variety of types of music. A huge symphony is a completely different expreience from an intimate sonata -- even if both are written by the same composer. We've chosen nine of the most popular genres and recommended 10 CDs from each. If there's some particular symphony you like, you're sure to find more on the symphonies page, or if you prefer chamber music, check out that page...the possibilities are endless.
- Symphony: A four-movement work for full orchestra. Top composers: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Mahler.
- Concerto: A three-movement work for a solo instrument with orchestra; violin and piano are the most popular concerto instruments. Top composers: Rachmaninoff, Dvorák, Mozart.
- Orchestral: Any work for orchestra that isn't a symphony or concerto; includes ballets, tone poems, serenades, and suites. Top composers: Stravinsky, Handel, Ravel.
- String Quartet: A four-movement work for two violins, viola, and cello. Top composers: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Shostakovich.
- Chamber Music: Works for small ensemble, including sonatas, trios, quartets, and quintets. Top composers: Bach, Brahms, Dvorák.
- Piano Music: Works for piano, including sonatas, preludes, impromptus, and rhapsodies. Top composers: Beethoven, Chopin, Bach, Schubert.
- Song: Works for a solo singer and piano or orchestral accompaniment. Top composers: Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Mahler.
- Choral Music: Works for chorus, usually with orchestra and one or more solo singers as well. Top composers: Bach, Handel, Mozart, Brahms.
- Opera: A dramatic production set to music, featuring solo singers, chorus, and orchestra. Top composers: Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Puccini.
View our Top 10 Classical Music CD recommendations