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.
Philip Glass
Solo Piano
A contemplative journey through minimalist piano compositions that evoke introspection and emotional depth.
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Philip Glass
Songs from Liquid Days
A seamless blend of minimalist motifs and lyrical storytelling that evokes a dreamlike, reflective state throughout its movements.
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Benjamin Britten
War Requiem
A powerful fusion of orchestral grandeur and poignant vocal expressions addressing the horrors of war and loss.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg
A vibrant exploration of classical sonatas, interweaving intricate variations with poignant melodies that evoke the spirit of Mozart's Salzburg.
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Joe Jackson
Fool
A blend of jazz-inflected pop melodies and introspective lyrics, balancing lightness with profound emotional depth.
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Joe Jackson
Look Sharp!
'Look Sharp!' captures the essence of Joe Jackson's early sound, highlighting his innovative fusion of genres. The album’s energy and lyrical wit set the stage for what makes his music engaging.
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Wolfgang Rihm
Et Lux
A haunting exploration of light and shadow, blending ethereal choral harmonies with intricate string arrangements.
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Glenn Branca
Lesson No. 1
A relentless exploration of dissonance and texture, challenging conventional notions of melody through layered electric guitar compositions.
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Glenn Branca
The Ascension
A dense tapestry of dissonant guitar harmonies intertwines with rhythmic pulses, creating an immersive avant-garde soundscape.
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Mikis Theodorakis
The Ballad of Mauthausen / Six Songs
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Mikis Theodorakis
Ένας Όμηρος
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Salvador Brotons i Soler
Liliana, Història de Babar i Viatge a la lluna
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Giya Kancheli
Themes from the Songbook
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Imants Kalniņš
Logs puspavērts
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Ludwig van Beethoven
Klaviertrios op. 11 & op. 1 Nr. 3 "Gassenhauertrio"
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Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven: Symphony no. 3 "Eroica" / Wagner: Siegfried’s Rhine Journey
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where symphony landed in each era.