From medieval madrigals to living composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass, the finest classical music of all time is surveyed and discussed in this authoritative and entertaining guide. Sonatas, operas, choral works, chamber music, and symphonies are all described, in reviews that also address superior recordings, making this a thorough primer to understanding and appreciating the full canon of classical music. Originally selling for $36.95 when it was first published in 2007, this beautifully produced reference is also a delight to peruse, illustrated with more than 800 color images of album covers, composers and performers, publicity photos, production stills, conductors and halls, and costume designs.