A Complete Guide To The Best Classical Music On The Market

A Complete Guide To The Best Classical Music On The Market

Music is an exceptional form of art because it has the highest possibility of eliciting an emotional response from us. While you can resonate with a painting or a poem, there’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when you hear your favorite song and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Of course, an integral part of enjoying music is ensuring that you keep expanding your horizons. If you stick to a single genre, you’ll find that it quickly grows stale and boring. Today, we’re going to be presenting a review guide that’s centered around the topic of the best classical music of all time.

Classical Instruments

We're going to be presenting five different reviews, and we'll also be giving you some buying advice to ensure that you get to experience the best of classical music. A lot of people don't know where to start when it comes to this genre, and some of the albums we'll be presenting will be the perfect way to begin.

Keep in mind that music is subjective, and whether or not you like some of these albums may simply be a matter of taste. Everyone has a different way of looking at art, and even the best pieces of classical music won’t see universal acclaim that is free of any form of criticism from at least one person.

Our Recommendations

1 - Best Classical Music - 99 Must-Have Classic Gold

Specifications:

  • Duration: 8:43:16
  • Includes ninety-nine songs of the most popular classical music
  • Amazon Exclusive
  • Produced by Cobra Entertainment LLC

Overview

If you are a lover of classical music, Amazon’s 99 Must-Have Classic Gold album will fit perfectly in your music library. The most popular songs of the genre, such as Für Elise, O Fortuna, Alla Hornpipe, and many more, are featured on this album to have all of your favorites in one place.

One of the things we love about this song arrangement is that the songs are created by various musicians. This gives us the chance to hear these classics from the perspective of other artists while giving musicians the opportunity to have their artistic abilities heard. Having variety is essential when it comes to classical music, especially with an album that is eight hours long.

The length of the album also comes in handy when you are doing things like studying or sleeping. Since it runs for such a long time, you will not have to worry about finding something else to listen to in the middle of your study session, and you can listen to them all night long.

99 Must-Have Classic Gold Music Review

Aside from the duration of the album, the way in which the songs are organized is impressive. When it comes to adding ninety-nine songs to one collection, it can be pretty challenging to take the time and get the songs to flow instead of jamming them altogether.

While listening, we did not come across the issue of hearing a sad, slow song and suddenly hearing something upbeat and fast without a transition.

Whether you’re just getting into classical music or if you’re a veteran listener, you’ll find that this is one of the most complete albums of the most memorable songs.

2 - Best Sensual Classical Music - 66 Must-Have Sensual Classics

Specifications:

  • A collection of 66 songs
  • The shared theme of this compilation is sensuality and love
  • Duration: 5:05:19
  • Songs can be purchased both individually and all together

Overview

If you need a compilation of classical music that will be ideal for a romantic dinner, then you'll love this set. You get 66 of the best tracks to put on when you want to share an intimate moment with someone you adore, and the price tag of this collection is almost absurdly low when you consider what you get.

For just over a dollar, you’ll have access to the best classical music playlist for the most personal of moments. You may be wondering about the quality of the selections, and most of the songs that have been chosen for this compilation are recorded by disciplined and impressive orchestras.

CD Cover

Source: beyondblond.com

While this collection may not exactly have songs that are reference quality, we never once noticed a glaring fault in the production of any of the tracks. If you’re looking for a set of high-fidelity sensual classics, there aren’t many collections that are this convenient or this affordable.

The best part of this collection is that it compiled all of these sensual classics without you having to look for them. If you don’t have an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music, then you’ll probably have a hard time finding the best songs for your needs when putting together a playlist like this.

Of course, this collection is not without its flaws, though most of them are relatively minor. It seems like a few pieces in this collection were included just to pad out the length. Some of the songs aren't sensual in any way, and you wonder why they're present, but they're few and far between.

3 - Best Wedding Classical Music - 60 Essential Royal Wedding Classics

Specifications:

  • Made specially for weddings and other high-profile events
  • Contains 60 separate tracks
  • Songs available both individually and as a collection
  • Has a distinctly British focus
  • A versatile collection that can be used for more than just weddings

Overview

If you're looking for a classical music best of tape that contains some of the best Royal music, this should be the choice for you. Whether you love the royal family and you need something to play during events like royal weddings and the Queen's Jubilee or you want to make your wedding more royal, this is an excellent collection.

One of the great strengths of this music collection is that most of the tracks flow very well together. If you're a fan of records that are as majestic as they are uplifting, you'll find that this classical music compilation will tick all of the right boxes for you. Don't expect too many low-energy tracks in this collection.

Of course, you're probably also wondering about the quality of the tracks, and once again, we have no complaints about the caliber of the performers who are working on these tracks. Many of the songs are performed by the actual Royal Wedding Orchestra so that they will be quite authentic.

60 Essential Royal Wedding Classics

Source: tidal.com

This collection isn't only the best choice for couples looking for wedding music, however. You'll also find that this music can help you sleep after a hard day or it can raise your spirits before a sports game. You can either choose to pick the songs that you like, or you can buy them all at once.

Keep in mind that there are a few songs which are reserved for those who buy the album, so if you want one of them, you’ll need to opt for the whole album. When you compare the cost of individual tracks to the total price of the album, you’ll typically end up buying the entire collection regardless.

4 - Best Halloween Classical Music - 99 Must-Have Halloween Classics

Specifications:

  • A group of songs meant to be played on Halloween
  • Comes with a total of 99 tracks
  • Songs available both individually and as a collection
  • Duration: 9:48:20
  • Can be used during any spooky occasion

Overview

While it may not be the best known classical music, you’ll find that many of the songs in this genre can get rather spooky. Even though the music itself may not be outright scary, it can provide an excellent atmosphere for a Halloween party or any other kind of gathering that’s meant to be creepy.

This collection comes with 99 songs, which are more than enough for the duration of an entire party. You’ll find that this album is about ten hours long, giving you plenty of material to work with. If you have time, you may want to go through the compilation and find the right tracks for your needs.

Halloween Classics

Source: tidal.com

While you can also purchase the tracks individually, you'll end up losing out on the excellent value for money that is provided by the whole collection. In the end, having the option gives you the choice of either rounding out your creepy music collection or starting one off with the entire set.

Keep in mind that this album doesn’t only have to be used on Halloween, as other spooky nights may also be ideal for it. No matter the season, this collection of Halloween music will give you chills, especially if you choose to play it in the middle of the night with no one at home.

As with many other similar collections, you can save a lot of time searching for the right tracks just by picking up this collection. Even glancing at the tracklist can give you a better idea of what you should include in your Halloween classical music compilation, even if you decide not to purchase it.

5 - Best Cantata Classical Music - Orff: Carmina Burana

Specifications:

  • Comes included with 25 songs
  • Duration: 1:01:01
  • Songs can be purchased all together or individually
  • Made up of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana scenic cantata

Overview

In our final classical music review, we're going to be taking a look at Orff's Carmina Burana. This cantata is divided into seven parts that are split into 25 songs. This arrangement is based on the Latin poems of the Carmina Burana, though you probably already know this if you are a fan of Orff.

This album from High Definition Classics is one of the best recordings of the Carmina Burana that you’ll come across. All of the emotion in both the vocals and the instruments in this composition is rendered beautifully in the recordings, with a quality that is unmatched by many other cantata albums.

Carl Orff's Carmina Burana Review

While this collection may be a little shorter than some of the other albums on this list, the Carmina Burana flows together much more effectively than many compilations. Of course, the fact that this was made as an album and not a collection of music helps with the song cohesion immensely.

If you want something that you can listen to in order, then the Carmina Burana from Orff is probably the best choice on this list. This album should be heard in a single sitting, as you’ll be able to take the journey that the composer originally wanted to send his listeners on.

Of course, the other noticeable aspect of this album is that it features lyrics, unlike the other classical compilations that we’ve gone over in this article. If you’re a fan of opera or other classical music that features vocals, then it is likely that you’ll enjoy this collection just as much.

Benefits Of Listening To Classical Music

You may have heard something of the many benefits there are to listening to classical music, and you’ll find that there are more than with other genres. Of the many benefits that come from listening to this kind of music, you’ll find that improved concentration is probably the best-known one.

If you’re studying or working and you feel like putting something on for background noise, you’ll want to steer clear of music with lyrics or TV shows which can grab your attention. One of the best ways to ensure that you can focus as much as possible is by listening to classical music.

Music Study

Classical music blends into the background much more seamlessly than other kinds of music because of its typical lack of vocals. While some classical music (especially opera) will still feature vocals, it will still be easier to listen to while maintaining focus on something else, like your work or studies.

Keep in mind that different people will have various preferences when it comes to how they work. Some people may prefer absolute silence while working, but if you’re one of those people who need something on in the background, then you’ll find that classical music is the best option by far.

Of course, you’ll find more benefits to classical music than just improved focus, as this kind of music can also help calm you down. If you feel anxious or panicked, you’ll find that the soothing notes of classical music can do wonders for your mind and can break you out of some strong negative emotions.

The raw power of classical music tends to break through the haze of negative feelings that we can sometimes get clouded up with. Of course, classical music isn't a miracle cure to depression or anxiety, but if you're feeling down or otherwise off, try putting on some of your favorite classical tunes.

History And Education

Through listening to classical music, you’re doing more than just hearing songs, because you’re also hearing a piece of history. Classical music can teach you more about music itself and can help make you a better musician as you’ll get better at recognizing patterns and beats in the songs.

Of course, if you're an aspiring classical musician and you want to compose your own symphonies, you'll find that listening to the greats of classical music is the best option. If you're going to get to know a composer better, there are few better ways to get into their mind than listening to their music.

 Classical Music of History

It can be a bit of a challenge to get started as a classical music composer, so listening to the songs and studying the sheet music can make the job much easier for you. Reading about the lives of composers and seeing what they lived through will also be able to give you some perspective on their music.

If you're learning music theory, then classical music will often give you the best opportunity to see those theories put into action. There's also the simple fact that listening to classical music more often will make it easier to recognize the intricacies and differences between each song, which is what makes them so popular.

Great Music

Of course, there’s also the matter that classical music is some of the most memorable music in history because of the complexity and effort that went into its creation. As you would expect from some of the greatest musicians in history (like Beethoven and Mozart), classical music is excellent music.

Unfortunately, many people don't get used to listening to classical music, so they miss out on this unique genre. As you start to get into classical music, you'll find that it becomes easier to recognize the particular aspects that you prefer and further refine your tastes in this music genre.

Quality of Music

When you listen to more of this music, you will be able to get a better appreciation for it, but you’ll also be enriched by the quality of the songs. There is a whole world of classical music that people miss out on because they feel that the genre lacks variety or doesn’t suit their tastes, which is a shame.

Listening to classical music means that you’re continuing a tradition that is hundreds of years old. Keep in mind that some people simply don’t like classical music, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Of course, there’s a difference between giving the genre a chance and not listening to it in the first place.

What To Look For When Buying Classical Music

There are also a few things that you’ll want to consider when you’re looking for the best classical music pieces for your needs. If you’ve never bought classical music before, you may not know what to look for when making your purchase, so this section should help you make a choice.

What Type Of Music Do You Like?

You’ll always want to look for music that you enjoy as that will improve the likelihood of you listening to it in the first place. While you may not know what you like when you’re first getting into classical music, you’ll want to look for pieces that are heavy on instruments that you like.

The best classical music albums are the ones that fit your tastes above all else. Just because a song is popular doesn’t mean that you have to like it. You may find that your tastes are suited for more obscure classical music, and everyone has their own preferences, so try out a range of different songs.

Asking Friends for Help

If there are some classical songs that you know you enjoy but you aren’t sure about the title, try speaking to someone who has more knowledge about the genre. Humming or singing the song may help identify the song, which will give you an idea of where to start, whether that be a certain composer or sub-genre.

For those who tend to prefer more intense music, you'll want to focus on classical music that is a little heavier on stringed instruments, as they add a feeling of suspense. If you like songs that are a bit calmer or more relaxing, then you may prefer music that has a more significant focus on the piano.

Do You Need It For A Purpose?

You’ll also want to consider why you need the classical music in the first place, as your reason for buying an album may not be the same as someone else’s reason. For example, if you need calming music so that you can study and work with greater focus, you’ll want to stick with softer tunes.

On the other hand, you may need the music for a particular event. If you want to give your dinner party a more sophisticated air, you can always throw on some classical tracks while you have guests over. Classical music isn’t only suitable for serious events, however, as it can also fit other situations.

 Dinner Party

Some classical music is meant to help improve passion between you and your partner, best played during a romantic dinner or similar situations. Beyond that, you’ll also find that some classical music is ideal for holidays. Creepy tracks will be perfect for a Halloween party, as they may add a bit of a scary backdrop.

In the end, you have to consider the circumstances of when you’ll be playing your classical music. If you want to listen to the songs to better yourself and your knowledge of the genre, you may want to give some of the greats a chance. There’s a reason that Bach’s name is still spoken with reverence to this day.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has helped you find the best classical music for your needs. Whether you need something to wind down and relax to or if you’re hosting a themed party, it can be tough to find the best songs for your needs. Feel free to leave us a comment down below.

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