Arranged chronologically, 1001 Classical Recordings You Must Hear Before You Die includes reviews of 1001 classical recordings, from the earliest hymns, to the modern avant-garde. Written by an international panel of distinguished music journalists, each entry highlights an outstanding recording, ranging from little-known solo pieces and chamber music, to the greatest concertos, symphonies, operas, and choral works.

The very best recorded performance of each piece is recounted accompanied by a list of recommended alternatives, quotations, and biographical information about the composers, conductors, and principal musicians. This guide is key to understanding and appreciating classical music as a whole; it highlights everything from medieval madrigals to key living composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass.

Beguiling sonatas, moving arias and operas, uplifting choral works, and dramatic symphonies, they're all are described in reviews which identify why particular recordings stand out. Browse the 1001 selections and discover new types of music, new composers, and works to explore.