The Complete List of the Top 50 Classical Recordings of All-Time
According to the Classical Guy
It has taken well over a year, but the top 50 classical recordings of all-time are in place, and this post lists all 50 in a recap. The number on the list does not denote a ranking. Rather, each recording on the list brings something special or unique, and most have received critical acclaim.
As I have mentioned several times throughout the top 50, this list, like any “greatest” list, is subjective and certainly contains my own biases. My status as an amateur musician with very little formal training should be noted as well. There is plenty of room for disagreement on my selections, but I also know that the recordings on this list have provided me with many hours of listening enjoyment and my hope in sharing the list with you is that you will also find some of your favorites.
1. Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 7 – VPO/Carlos Kleiber (Deutsche Grammophon)
The most dynamic and incisive recording of Beethoven’s Fifth ever put down, led by the legendary and reclusive conductor Carlos Kleiber.
2. Puccini Tosca – La Scala/Maria Callas/Giuseppe DiStefano/Tito Gobbi/Victor de Sabata (Warner)
The finest recording of any opera ever made with Callas, Di Stefano, and Gobbi caught at the height of their careers in a dramatic interpretation that has stood the test of time and still brings goosebumps.
3. Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique – Concertgebouw, Amsterdam/Colin Davis (Universal)
The ultimate “program” symphony played with style and elegance by the Concertgebouw. A truly wonderful recording led by Davis, probably the greatest Berlioz conductor of the 20th century.
4. The Tallis Scholars Sing William Byrd (Gimell)
Crystal clear sound quality is paired with unmatched performances of English Renaissance composer William Byrd’s greatest works.
5. Elgar Cello Concerto – Jacqueline du Pre/Sir John Barbirolli (Warner)
The tragic figure of Jacqueline du Pre in an electric pairing with Barbirolli, in her finest recorded legacy and a testament to the greatness of Elgar.
6. Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker – BPO/Semyon Bychkov (Universal)
The perennial favorite of children and adults alike, the Nutcracker, here given its finest complete recording to date by the stylish and brilliant sounding Berlin Philharmonic under a young Semyon Bychkov.
7. Saint-Saens Symphony no. 3 “Organ” – BSO/Charles Munch (RCA/Sony)
The sonic spectacular of Saint-Saens Organ symphony in a famously vibrant and thrilling recording and performance from the Boston Symphony Orchestra with Charles Munch, one of the top French music conductors in history.
8. Bach Goldberg Variations – Glenn Gould (Sony)
Glenn Gould’s landmark, rapid fire 1955 recording alongside his more considered, lyrical remake from 1981 bookend an extraordinary career by the eccentric and fascinating pianist.
9. Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue – Columbia Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein (Sony)
Bernstein has Gershwin’s music in his blood, and this 1959 recording has never been surpassed for its expressive freedom, jazz-inflected improvisation, and structural integrity.
10. Brahms A German Requiem – Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus /Wolfgang Sawallisch (Orfeo)
The eloquent solo contributions of both Margaret Price and Thomas Allen, two of the finest voices of their time, complement the outstanding Bavarian Radio Chorus in this wonderful 1984 recording from Munich.
11. Monteverdi Vespro della Beata Vergine – Monteverdi Choir/English Baroque Soloists/John Eliot Gardiner
A beautiful recording of Monterverdi’s choral masterpiece recorded on site at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice brings to life the true feeling of being there, and Gardiner’s outstanding forces make this something very special.
12. Mozart Requiem – Dunedin Consort/John Butt
Mozart’s ill-fated final and incomplete Requiem, one of the most iconic works in the cannon, receives a passionate and detailed reading with clear sound in a 2014 recording from the Scottish-based Dunedin Consort under John Butt.
13. Smetana Ma Vlast – BSO/Rafael Kubelik (Deutsche Grammophon)
Kubelik recorded Smetana’s homage to his native Czech Republic several times, including a famous live recording at the Prague Spring Festival in 1990 when he returned to his homeland after a long absence. However, this recording from Boston in 1971 is even finer and raises this work to the high level it deserves.
14. Holst The Planets – BSO/William Steinberg (Deutsche Grammophon)
William Steinberg is one of the most underrated conductors of the 20th century, and this recording is a prime example. There are other great recordings of The Planets by Dutoit, Boult, and Previn among others, but none have the fire and swagger of Steinberg and the Bostonians. It is on the fast side, but with the total involvement of all parties and excellent sound, this is indispensable.
15. Mahler Symphony no. 5 – VPO/Leonard Bernstein (Deutsche Grammophon)
Leonard Bernstein identified more with Gustav Mahler than any other composer, and even Bernstein’s detractors agree this is a truly legendary recording of Mahler’s 5th. Mahler has never sounded better.
16. Sibelius Symphony no. 2 – RPO/Sir John Barbirolli (Chesky)
Barbirolli recorded a complete cycle of the Sibelius symphonies later with EMI, but this earlier Sibelius Second with the Royal Symphony Orchestra made for Reader’s Digest packs a punch and is more engaging throughout.
17. Haydn The Creation – Gabrieli Consort/Paul McCreesh (Archiv) and BPO/Herbert von Karajan (Deutsche Grammophon)
One of the greatest choral works ever, Haydn’s The Creation has been given dozens of fine recordings, but McCreesh on period instruments and Karajan on modern instruments are a cut above the rest.
18. Mendelssohn Symphony no. 3 “Scottish” – LSO/Peter Maag (Universal)
In the wrong hands, Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony can drag in spots and leave us wanting more. But not here. Maag, another underrated conductor, here brings a performance from the London Symphony that has stood the test of time and still sounds great.
19. Bruce Liu – Chopin Competition Recital (Deutsche Grammophon)
Bruce Liu is the real deal. This recording taken from Liu’s performance at the Chopin Competition is sublime, and among the best Chopin recordings ever made.
20. Mozart The Magic Flute – VPO/Sir Georg Solti (Universal)
Great Magic Flute recordings abound, including those by Fricsay, Klemperer, Abbado, Ostman, and Bohm. But Sir Georg Solti’s second recording of this favorite opera from 1991 hits the mark on all counts, and is recorded complete with dialogue.
21. Bach The Brandenburg Concertos – European Brandenburg Ensemble/Trevor Pinnock (Avie)
For me the Brandenburgs are a collection of some of the greatest concertos ever written, and here they are given the most balanced and satisfying performances on record. Pinnock has gathered some very talented musicians from around Europe for this recording, and they demonstrate panache, rhythmic vitality, and brisk but never breathless speeds.
22. Franck Symphony in D – CSO/Pierre Monteux (RCA/Sony)
In his Symphony, Franck pays tribute to the great German composers, but with a French flair. Pierre Monteux recorded the Franck in 1959 with the Chicago Symphony for Living Stereo. During his lifetime, Monteux was a supreme master of French repertoire, but what I really like about this recording is the full, balanced, and weighty sound.
23 Beethoven Complete Music for Cello – Francois-Frederic Guy/Xavier Phillips
If you are not familiar with Beethoven’s Cello Sonatas, you are in for a treat. There are umpteen great recordings of the cello sonatas, but Guy and Phillips bring a freshness and spontaneity to these works that brings great rewards.
24. Stravinsky The Rite of Spring – BSO/Michael Tilson Thomas (Deutsche Grammophon)
A 28-year old Tilson Thomas inspires the BSO to play as though their lives depended on it, producing a performance of intensity, power, and imagination. Whether this is what Stravinsky intended or not, it is certainly an exciting and visceral recording.
25. Schubert Quintet in C major – Casals, Stern, Schneider, Katims, Tortelier (Sony)
The Schubert Quintet in C major is one of the most entertaining chamber pieces you will find, and Casals and company produce a warm, beguiling, and intimate performance from the Marlboro Festival.
26 Dvorak Cello Concerto – BPO/Mstislav Rostropovich/Herbert von Karajan (Deutsche Grammophon)
In my opinion, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto is the greatest concerto ever written for cello (apologies to Elgar and Haydn), and here you have the greatest cellist of the 20th century playing with the Berliners and Karajan at the absolute height of their powers. The result is magical.
27. Puccini La Boheme – RCA/Jussi Bjorling/Victoria de los Angeles/Sir Thomas Beecham (Warner)
Jussi Bjorling and Victoria de los Angeles combine with conductor Thomas Beecham to record one of the truly landmark opera performances of all-time. Recorded in just a few days in New York City in 1956, the relatively spontaneous sessions had the feeling of a special occasion from the beginning, and fortunately for us it was captured by EMI.
28. Williams Greatest Hits (Sony)
John Williams is arguably the greatest living composer, and the best moments from his iconic movie scores are collected here in excellent sounding performances, conducted by Williams.
29. Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto – BPO/Maxim Vengerov/Claudio Abbado (Warner)
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto is a rite of passage for all young virtuosi, and recordings of this piece are legion. But the young Vengerov brings something extra to this performance, without being flashy, in a reading that is commanding and passionate. Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic are stylish and refined in accompaniment.
30. Horowitz The Complete Original Jacket Collection (Sony)
Vladimir Horowitz was one of the most gifted pianists in history, and this collection puts together a majority of his finest performances in one place. While Horowitz is best remembered as a romantic, he also brought to life such classical composers as Scarlatti, Clementi, and Mozart. This is unmissable for piano lovers.
31. Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade – LSO/Leopold Stokowski (Universal)
This kaleidoscopic “Phase 4” recording from the early 1960s was state-of-the-art at the time it was made, and remains brilliant in its impact. Although it creates a rather unnatural perspective, it perfectly highlights how much Stokowski clearly loves this work. It is a scintillating recording, even if a bit garish at times.
32. Bach Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin – Nathan Milstein (Deutsche Grammophon)
Like many of the works on this list, Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin is represented extremely well by available recordings. However, Milstein brings an unbeatable combination of thoughtful phrasing, emotion, clarity, and virtuosity to these fiendishly difficult pieces. Milstein brings soul to Bach’s solo writing.
33. Verdi Messa da Requiem – Orchestra and Chorus della Scala/Herbert von Karajan (Deutsche Grammophon)
The only video on the list, this nearly perfect recording of Verdi’s awesome Requiem is a film made in a partnership with Karajan and director Henri-Georges Clouzot. The voices of Leontyne Price and a young Luciano Pavarotti, in particular, are thrilling and Fiorenza Cossotto and Nicolai Ghiaurov also give affecting performances. The only caveat is that this recording is not available in an audio-only format, with the exception of some of poor quality from secondary sources.
34. Reich Music for 18 Musicians – Steve Reich Ensemble (ECM)
Minimalist composer Steve Reich’s hypnotic and groundbreaking work Music for 18 Musicians is given its best performance on record by the composer and his ensemble in a recording from 1978. If you believe you don’t like modern classical music, give this a try.
35. Bruckner Symphony no. 9 – VPO/Carlo Maria Giulini (Deutsche Grammophon)
Giulini’s Bruckner recordings have legendary status, but for me this one is at the top. First, it is Bruckner’s final statement and contains some of his most moving music. Second, Giulini brings to this piece a profound understanding of Bruckner’s language and structure, where lesser conductors falter. Finally, the live recording from Vienna in 1988 is in very good sound.
36. Strauss Eine Alpensinfonie – BPO/Herbert von Karajan (Deutsche Grammophon)
Strauss’ Alpensinfonie is given a plush, ultra luxurious treatment in this early digital-era recording by Karajan and the Berliners. Although the symphony is sometimes derided as schlock by critics, Karajan’s reading convinces us of the greatness of this music in a recording that packs quite a punch and a huge dynamic range.
37. Vivaldi The Four Seasons – Venice Baroque Orchestra/Giuliano Carmignola (Sony)
A work as ubiquitous as The Four Seasons requires an extraordinary recording to stand out. Carmignola and Venice Baroque provide that in this 1999 recording, which sounds appropriately rustic and original. Highly enjoyable.
38. Schubert Symphony no. 9 “Great” – Gewandhaus Leipzig/Herbert Blomstedt (Deutsche Grammophon)
Schubert’s “heavenly length” symphony, his longest work, is given a tremendous performance here in this recent outing by nonagenarian conductor Herbert Blomstedt and his Leipzig orchestra. The approach is fresh and lively, it never drags, and the sound is full, detailed, and clean. I love how the brass cuts through the orchestra, and how Blomstedt takes an essentially classical view of the work.
39. Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition – S. Richter (Universal) and CSO/Reiner (RCA/Sony)
Pictures at an Exhibition began its life as a work for solo piano. In that original format, Sviatoslav Richter’s live recording from Sofia, Bulgaria in 1958 has never been surpassed despite the variable sound. Fritz Reiner’s version orchestrated by Maurice Ravel was recorded in 1957 and highlights the incredible Chicago Symphony brass for RCA Living Stereo.
40. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto no. 3 – RSO Berlin/Martha Argerich/Riccardo Chailly
Pianist Martha Argerich’s playing is incendiary on this live recording captured relatively early in her career, spotlighting her spontaneity and risk taking. She pulls it off, with the only real rival being Horowitz’s recording with Reiner from the 1950s. Chailly and the RSO Berlin do their best to keep up with her.
41. Copland Conducts Copland – LSO/Columbia SO/Aaron Copland (Sony)
Copland decided to conduct and record his own works, and it is good that he did with results that most faithfully represent his musical idiom. It is true Leonard Bernstein also recorded Coplan with great success, but Copland’s own stamp on these works is definitive.
42. Wagner Tristan und Isolde – Bayreuth/Karl Bohm (Deutsche Grammaphon)
One of the most important compositions in the history of music is often judged by the performance of the Isolde. In this case, Birgit Nilsson gives a legendary performance of passion and stamina, sustaining her tone throughout the arduous role of Isolde. Bohm is on fine form too in this live recording, and although he takes speeds on the faster side, there is no loss of tenderness or tension.
43. Mahler Das Lied von der Erde – Philharmonia/New Philharmonia/Christa Ludwig/Fritz Wunderlich/Otto Klemperer (Warner)
Otto Klemperer was one of the most renowned Mahler conductors of his time, and here is paired with Christa Ludwig and Fritz Wunderlich, two of the most lauded and glowing voices of the 1960s. Whether defined as a “song cycle” or a “symphony”, this version of Das Lied von der Erde should be in every music lover’s collection.
44. Beethoven Symphony no. 9 “Choral” – Bayreuth/Wilhelm Furtwangler (Orfeo)
Wilhelm Furtwangler inherited the Germanic performance tradition of Beethoven from Wagner, which is Beethoven on a grander scale, slower, and leaning toward the romantic. This performance and recording is one of the greatest legacies left to us by Furtwangler, arguably the most acclaimed interpreter of Beethoven ever. The Orfeo remastering is the one to hear.
45. Brahms Symphony no. 4 – VPO/Carlos Kleiber (Deutsche Grammophon)
Carlos Kleiber didn’t make too many recordings, but when he did, he always had something important to say about the music. Along with his recordings in Vienna of Beethoven’s 5th and 7th symphonies, this recording of Brahms’ 4th is required listening. The hallmarks of a Kleiber performance are all here: clarity, precision, drive, and detail.
46. Respighi Roman Trilogy – Santa Cecilia/Antonio Pappano (Warner)
I have a soft spot in my heart for Respighi’s music, and his trio of The Pines of Rome, The Fountains of Rome, and Roman Festivals are imaginative, pictorial, and truly bring the city of Rome to life. Pappano knows this music intimately, and gets his Rome-based orchestra to give their best in this recording.
47. Tchaikovsky Symphonies 4, 5, 6 – Leningrad Philharmonic/Yevgeny Mravinsky (Deutsche Grammophon)
These recordings were famous almost from the time they were released for delivering real “Russian” flavor to these old war horses. There are unique and interesting touches throughout, and Mravinsky gets the listener deeper into the music than anyone else. The 4th and 6th are the most successful, but overall this set can’t be beat.
48. Beethoven Complete Piano Sonatas – Annie Fischer (Hungaroton)
Beethoven’s piano sonatas are essential to any survey of classical music, and there are outstanding sets by great pianists such as Gilels, Biss, Backhaus, Schnabel, Gulda, Kempff, and Arrau among others; but Annie Fischer always brings the right balance of touch, emotion, structure, and dynamics. A gem of a set.
49. Bach Mass in B Minor – English Baroque Soloists/Monteverdi Choir/John Eliot Gardiner (Universal)
Perhaps the greatest choral work ever written, Bach’s Mass in B Minor is actually a collection of separately written movements and snippets from other compositions gathered together into a cohesive whole. Gardiner’s first recording for Archiv from 1985 has the finest soloists and most consistent sound, along with an overall vision that combines the more devotional elements with the more concert-piece movements quite well. The choral singing is stunning, and the warmth and resonance of the recording is very attractive.
50. Wagner Der Ring des Nibelungen – VPO/Sir Georg Solti (Universal)
A crowning achievement in recording history, Solti’s Ring is groundbreaking in its breadth and depth covering one of the most massive works of music ever created. The team of soloists is unmatched, the sound and realistic effects put us near the stage, and Solti leads with the right amount of power and drive along with a sensitivity to the more tragic and emotional elements. An essential part of any classical music library.
Stay tuned for the next post, which will focus on some outstanding recordings that didn’t quite make the top 50, but deserve special recognition. See you then.