Classical Music Albums You Can Listen to Right Now

A list of albums that you can listen to right now if you’re in the mood for some classical music.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 “Choral”

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, also known as the “Choral Symphony”, is his final complete symphony. Composed between 1822 and 1824, the work was one of a handful of works that he completed for performance in his own lifetime. The premiere took place on May 7, 1824.

The symphony is regarded by many critics and musicologists as Beethoven’s greatest work and one of the supreme achievements in the history of western music. One critic went so far as to call it “the greatest single piece of music that has ever existed”.

The famous “Ode to Joy” melody was composed by Beethoven at an even earlier date (1792–93), but it did not appear in any known work by him until it was used as the basis for the final movement of this symphony.

Unlike many earlier examples of the choral finale in symphonies such as those composed by Joseph Haydn or Johann Stamitz, Beethoven’s 9th makes use of a choir in all four movements.

Bach: Goldberg Variations

Bach: Goldberg Variations is a classical music album by Glenn Gould, released in 1955 on Columbia Records. This was Gould’s second album of solo piano music, and it established him as one of the most renowned classical pianists of his generation. The Goldberg Variations is a set of 30 variations on a theme by Johann Sebastian Bach, written for harpsichord. Gould’s performance is noted for its clarity and precision, as well as its creative use of tempo and dynamics.

Mozart: Requiem in D Minor, K. 626

Mozart: Requiem in D Minor, K. 626 is a requiem mass composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1791 and left unfinished at his death on December 5. A completed version dated 1792 by Franz Xaver Süssmayr was delivered to Count Franz von Walsegg, who commissioned the piece for a memorial service for his wife.

TheRequiem is scored for 2 basset horns in B-flat (originally 2 clarinets in B-flat), 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets in D, 3 trombones, timpani, violins I and II, viola and basso continuo (cello and bass).

The first performance of the uncompleted work was on January 2, 1793, at the Imperial Court Theater in Vienna. It is likely that only sections 1–5 were performed. The performing parts were copied out by Mozart’s wife Constanze, who also asked Süssmayr to complete the work based on her husband’s notes and fragmentary sketches.

Süssmayr’s completion added sections 6 and 7 (the “Hostias” and “Benedictus”), as well as filling out large portions of Mozart’s fragmentary sketches for sections 1 and 3 (the “Introitus” and “Confutatis”). He also completed the missingbass line of the “Recordare”. In some early editions it was credited to Mozart; later editors have gone back to crediting it to Süssmayr.

Although scholars have attempted several reconstructions of how much of theRequiem Mozart actually wrote himself before his death (including completion of section 2 or even all seven sections), as well as alternative completions such as those by Richard Maunderand Robert Levin, Süssmayr’s version remains the best known today.

Haydn: The Creation

This album of Haydn’s The Creation is performed by the English Baroque Soloists and John Eliot Gardiner. It was recorded in 1991 and released by Deutsche Grammophon.

Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759 “Unfinished”

Few works in the concert repertoire are as well-loved as Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony. Written in 1822, this cherished work features some of the most memorable melodies ever composed, all within the context of two short and atmospheric movements. Conductors and orchestras across the world have performed and recorded this timeless work countless times, and it remains one of the most popular symphonies ever written.

Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68

Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68 is one of the most popular and beloved classical music albums of all time. Conducted by Arturo Toscanini and performed by the NBC Symphony Orchestra, this album was recorded in 1949 and released by RCA Victor. Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68 is considered to be one of the greatest symphonies ever written, and this recording is widely considered to be the definitive performance of the work.

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20 is a ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76. Despite its initial failure, it is now one of the most popular ballets of all time. The music has been used in many productions of Swan Lake, most notably by The Royal Ballet and The Mariinsky Ballet.

The ballet tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. She can only break the curse if she finds true love. But when she meets Prince Siegfried, she must decide whether to stay a swan forever or turn back into a human.

This album features Tchaikovsky’s entire original score, performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra under the direction of Riccardo Muti.

Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 “From the New World”

One of the most popular symphonies of all time, Antonín Dvořák’s Ninth was composed while the Czech composer was living in America. It is sometimes called “From the New World,” reflecting Dvořák’s impressions of his adopted country. The work is famous for its beautiful melodies, which are based on African American spirituals and Native American songs. The symphony was an instant success when it premiered in 1893, and it has been beloved by audiences ever since.

Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D Major

Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D Major is one of the most popular classical music albums you can listen to right now. This beautifully composed album by Gustav Mahler is perfect for any classical music lover.