The NPR Guide to Building a Classical CD Collection: The 350 Essential Works

Ted Libbey's a really good guide for someone venturing into classical music without a lot of familiarity with the material. The book is put together pretty well, and Libbey’s very knowledgeable and a good writer. His taste is broad, which is good for a reader whose tastes are developing. He tends to emphasize large orchestral works at the expense of chamber music and solo instrumental works, as well as at the expense of opera and sacred music (and he seems to have a bit of a preference for late Romantic works). But that’s probably representative of the preferences of most classical music listeners, so it’s okay for an introductory book like this. Anyone who develops interest in specific areas will need more than this book offers. show more But, in good introductory fashion, it provides a mix of music history, composer biographies, a bit of musicology, and some explanation of genres. Definitely a good place to start, and probably worth checking out even if you’re fairly familiar with classical music. show less

This is a very complete reference. It includes incomplete but interesting biographies, a brief history of the various forms, and recommended recordings. Probably a bit dated by now, but hey, they don't callitclassical music for nothing.

Published in 1999, it's organized into chapters based on types of music: orchestra, concertos, chamber music, solo keyboard works, sacred and choral and opera. Two problems: the recordings are all before 1999 and the descriptions don't give a good sense of the emotional texture of the piece. For a dilettante like me, not so helpful.

I have built my classical music library with this book and I love every recommended recording. My copy is well-worn.

Or, nowadays, a streaming collection perhaps. Organized by type of work, and gives background information on each piece as well as opinions on the best renditions.