The albums that define
symphony.
Our picks for where to start with symphony — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top symphony artists
Start with one of these.
The symphony essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Joe Jackson
Fast Forward
A vibrant fusion of jazz-inflected pop and rock, infused with Joe Jackson's sharp wit and melodic sensibility.
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Joe Jackson
Night and Day
A vibrant fusion of jazz-inflected melodies and new wave energy, exploring urban themes with sophisticated lyricism.
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Philip Glass
The Hours
A hauntingly evocative blend of minimalist piano and orchestral textures, reflecting deep emotional currents.
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Philip Glass
Solo Piano
A meditative exploration of minimalist textures, where repetitive motifs unravel into profound emotional landscapes.
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Mikis Theodorakis
Canto General
A sweeping orchestral journey blending folk melodies with poignant political themes and choral fervor.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg
A vibrant exploration of classical sonatas, blending intricate variations with expressive melodies and dynamic contrasts.
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Gustav Mahler
Tár – Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture
An evocative blend of orchestral depth and intimate recordings reflecting the film's emotional landscape.
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Glenn Branca
Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses
A sprawling exploration of sound, merging minimalist structures with unexpected sonic textures.
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Glenn Branca
The Ascension
A sonic exploration of dissonance and harmony, merging minimalist principles with avant-garde experimentation.
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Benjamin Britten
War Requiem
A haunting fusion of traditional liturgical texts and poignant war poetry, blending orchestral grandeur with intimate vocal performances.
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