Classical Music Albums You Should Listen to Right Now

From Bach to Beethoven to Brahms, these are the 10 classical music albums you should listen to right now.

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

This work, commonly known as the “Choral Symphony”, is Ludwig van Beethoven’s final complete symphony. Composed between 1822 and 1824, the symphony is one of the best-known works of the Western classical repertoire. It was first performed in Vienna on 7 May 1824. The symphony stems from a sketch Beethoven composed in 1811; themes from it are also incorporated into the Third Movement of hisString Quartet No. 15 as well as the overtures to Fidelio and Coriolan.

The Ninth Symphony is regarded by many critics as one of Beethoven’s greatest works, and some even say it is one of the greatest compositions ever written. In a poll conducted by Gramophone magazine in 1999, readers chose it as the greatest piece of classical music ever written; in another survey, BBC Music Magazine readers also chose the Ninth Symphony as their favorite (out of a list of 50).

Bach: Mass in B minor, BWV 232

Bach’s Mass in B minor is one of the most revered works in all of classical music. It was composed over the course of Bach’s lifetime, and was not completed until shortly before his death. The work is a masterful blend of old and new, with Bach drawing on both traditional chorale settings and more modern Italian opera styles. The result is a work that is both moving and spiritually uplifting. If you are looking for a classical album to get lost in, this is the one.

Mozart: Requiem in D minor, K. 626

One of Mozart’s most well-known works, the Requiem in D minor, K. 626, is a musical setting of the Roman Catholic funeral mass for four soloists, double choir and orchestra. It is considered one of the greatest pieces of classical music ever written. The work was unfinished at Mozart’s death on December 5, 1791 and was completed by his student Franz Xaver Sussmayr.

The Requiem is a powerful and moving work, full of beautiful melodies and emotional moments. It is a must-listen for any classical music fan.

Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2

Few pieces of music are as exhilarating or spine-tingling as The Creation. First performed in 1798, the oratorio – which tells the biblical story of Genesis – is an absolute masterpiece, featuring some of Haydn’s most beautiful and exciting music.

The work is a perfect example of what made Haydn such a great composer – his ability to evoke emotion, paint a vivid picture and tell a compelling story, all within the confines of classical form. It’s also an excellent starting point for anyone new to classical music, as it’s relatively short (around 90 minutes) and very accessible.

Schubert: Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944 “The Great”

One of the most criminally underrated classical music albums of all time, Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944 “The Great” is a must-listen for any classical music fan. Conducted by legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan, this album features the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra at their absolute best. If you’re looking for a classical album that will blow you away, look no further than Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944 “The Great.”

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

Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 is a must-listen for any fan of classical music. This Hamburg-based Philharmonic Orchestra performance, conducted by Simone Young, is simply stunning.

Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D major

Considered by many to be one of the greatest symphonies ever written, Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major is a swirling, emotional work that runs the gamut from tragedy to hope. Originally composed in 1888, the work was revised several times before its final form was published in 1899. Conducted here by Leonard Bernstein, this performance by the New York Philharmonic is widely considered to be one of the best recordings of the symphony.

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

One of Dvorak’s most popular works, the Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 “From the New World” was composed in 1893 while the composer was living in the United States. The work is influenced by both African-American and Native American music, and is considered to be one of the first truly American symphonies. The work was incredibly popular at its premiere, and has remained one of the most popular symphonies ever written.

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 “Pathétique”

One of the most popular and well-known pieces of classical music, Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74” is a must-listen for any fan of the genre. Also known as the “Pathétique Symphony,” the work was composed in just a few days in October 1893, and is said to be a reflection of the composer’s own feelings of depression and despair. Nevertheless, the work is incredibly powerful and moving, with some of the most beautiful melodies Tchaikovsky ever wrote. If you’re looking for a classic symphony to add to your collection, this is it.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, was written between 1804 and 1808. It is one of the best-known compositions in classical music and one of the most frequently played symphonies. First performed in Vienna’s Theater an der Wien in 1808, the work achieved its prodigious reputation soon afterward. E. T. A. Hoffmann described the symphony as “one of the most important works of the time” and as “the most expressive tour de force of all musical expression.”

According to Schindler, while many contemporaries found the work to be “incomprehensible”, Hoffmann’s contemporary comments echo those of many modern critics: “With what astonishment must every musical lover, every artistic nature… first hear this Symphony! Scarcely can one believe that such ideas could have been conceived, such an arabesque embellished with such boldness!”