The Well-Tempered Ear

Classical music: iTunes lists its Top 30 classical albums. See if you agree and tell us what changes you would make.

By Jacob Stockinger

Here is something of interest I just happened to stumble across: iTunes has chosen and published its list of the Top 30 – or Essential 30 – classical recordings of all time.

Mind you: These are not the most popular recordings or the bestsellers.

Apple’s opinion  might not matter so much. But right now, digital downloads outsell real CDs, and the trend looks to continue for a very long time. So that gives the list even more relevance and force. (Below is the iTunes logo.)

Here is a link, and be sure to read the comments as well as the link to the other Top 50 list that is provided:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/classicalmusic/9851996/iTunes-lists-top-30-classical-albums.html

See what you think of their list.

What criticism would you make? (Does anyone detect a bias towards British music? Towards Romantic and early modern music)

What would you change? Delete or add to the list?

And what do you think of iTunes musical judgment?

The Ear wants to hear.

And just maybe Apple does too. (Its logo is below.)