Classical Music—the perfect introductions: CDs

A selection of CDs to recommend when asked: "What's the best way to introduce someone to Classical Music?"

The History of Classical Music (4-CD AudioBook)
These four audio discs, written by Richard Fawkes and read by Robert Powell, chart the music of the western classical tradition, spanning the 14 centuries from the emergence of Gregorian chant to the sounds of the present day.

A to Z of Classical Music (Book + 2CDs)
A-Z of Classical Music is a remarkable 562-page, illustrated book, detailing the lives of all the great composers as well as many less known, but equally fascinating, musical masters. Two-and-a-half hours of the finest music from across the centuries are contained on the accompanying CDs.

Classical Chillout The Essential Collection (2 CDs)
Beautiful, relaxing classics from Bach, Brahms, Chopin, Grieg, Handel, Liszt, Purcell, Ravel, Rodrigo, Schubert, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and many more.

Romantic Classics (2 CDs)
The most romantic music from all periods, ranging from Bach and Mozart to Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.

The Very Best of . . . Double CD Sets
Enjoy two hours of the finest music of Bach, Mozart, Rachmaninof and Elgar.

Greatest Hits on DVD
DVD video recording of Bach or Mozart performed by a wide range of interpreters including Daniel Barenboim, the Jacques Loussier trio and the Labeque sisters (Bach) and Barenboim, Mitsuko Uchida and the Vienna Boys Choir (Mozart).

For the kids: The Story of Classical Music (3-CD AudioBook)

“A model of how to introduce children to classical music. With a script of humour and grace by Darren Henley - which neatly sets the musical examples in their historical context - the Story of Classical Music arrives complete with an interactive CD-ROM.”
Julian Lloyd Webber, Daily Telegraph