Essential 20th-century classical music listening

The albums that define 20th-century classical music.

Our picks for where to start with 20th-century classical music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The 20th-century classical music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

The Godfather – Original Soundtrack Recording

Nino Rota

The Godfather – Original Soundtrack Recording

A lush orchestral score weaving haunting melodies with dramatic crescendos, capturing the essence of power and family loyalty.

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Gioconda's Smile

Manos Hatzidakis

Gioconda's Smile

A delicate blend of classical melodies and folk influences, laced with introspective lyricism and rich harmonies.

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Una mattina

Ludovico Einaudi

Una mattina

Delicate piano melodies intertwine with subtle strings, evoking a sense of introspective serenity and emotional depth.

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In a Time Lapse

Ludovico Einaudi

In a Time Lapse

A serene tapestry of minimalist piano melodies interwoven with rich orchestral textures that evoke deep emotional landscapes.

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Elements

Ludovico Einaudi

Elements

A serene tapestry of piano melodies interwoven with atmospheric strings, evoking nature's elemental beauty.

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Divenire

Ludovico Einaudi

Divenire

Ethereal piano melodies intertwine with expansive strings, creating a serene landscape of emotive soundscapes.

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Eden Roc

Ludovico Einaudi

Eden Roc

A serene blend of minimalist piano melodies and lush orchestrations that evoke vivid landscapes and deep emotions.

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Seven Days Walking

Ludovico Einaudi

Seven Days Walking

A serene soundscape blending minimalist piano melodies with gentle orchestral textures that evoke nature's tranquility.

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I Giorni

Ludovico Einaudi

I Giorni

Ethereal piano melodies intertwine with minimalist textures, evoking both serenity and introspection across a cinematic soundscape.

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La Scala Concert 03.03.03

Ludovico Einaudi

La Scala Concert 03.03.03

Einaudi's piano weaves delicate melodies through expansive, atmospheric soundscapes that evoke profound emotional landscapes.

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Le Onde

Ludovico Einaudi

Le Onde

Ethereal piano melodies float over minimalist textures, creating a serene soundscape that evokes deep emotional resonance.

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Diario Mali

Ludovico Einaudi

Diario Mali

Ethereal piano melodies weave through rich, ambient textures, creating a reflective and immersive soundscape.

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Nightbook

Ludovico Einaudi

Nightbook

Ethereal piano melodies entwine with rich textures, creating an introspective soundscape that invites reflection.

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A Romantic Christmas

John Tesh

A Romantic Christmas

A lush blend of classical arrangements and heartfelt melodies that evoke the warmth of Christmas spirit.

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12 Songs From Home

Ludovico Einaudi

12 Songs From Home

Ethereal piano melodies intertwine with atmospheric textures, evoking introspection and a sense of calm in a world of uncertainty.

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Underwater

Ludovico Einaudi

Underwater

Ethereal piano melodies intertwine with gentle strings, creating a serene soundscape that evokes contemplative introspection.

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Cinema

Ludovico Einaudi

Cinema

Ludovico Einaudi's compositions blend minimalist piano melodies with lush, cinematic textures that evoke deep emotional landscapes.

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Undiscovered

Ludovico Einaudi

Undiscovered

Einaudi’s ethereal piano melodies intertwine with subtle orchestral textures, evoking a sense of introspective serenity.

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Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses

Glenn Branca

Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses

A sprawling exploration of sound, merging minimalist structures with unexpected sonic textures.

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The Ascension

Glenn Branca

The Ascension

A sonic exploration of dissonance and harmony, merging minimalist principles with avant-garde experimentation.

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Lesson No. 1

Glenn Branca

Lesson No. 1

A chaotic symphony of electric guitars that redefines the boundaries of minimalist and avant-garde music.

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Voices and Instruments

John Cage

Voices and Instruments

A surreal fusion of spoken word, unconventional instruments, and experimental textures that defies traditional musical boundaries.

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iTunes Festival: London 2013

Ludovico Einaudi

iTunes Festival: London 2013

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