One of the greatest requiems ever written: compare with Karamanov's if you get a chance. The concerto for mixed voice is also brilliant.

Probably the best introduction to this brilliant composer. Panufnik often wrote mathematical music, which is nevertheless very listenable

An extremely powerful composer. My favourites are 5, 8, 12, 13 and 14. One caution: this set doesn't have any libretti.

An unfinished twentieth century masterpiece; try 'Pierrot Lunaire' as well.

Penderecki is probably the finest living composer. This symphony should get you hooked for life

Both brilliant 'stabat mater's. Definitely listen Poulenc's 'Dialogues of the Carmelites'; the last scene is unbearably moving

Bartok's only opera; the great symbolist opera

One of the finest pieces ever to come out of Russia. It's worth paying extra for the DVD, as this production is lavish. Again, however, there is no libretto, so it may be better to buy a CD as well.

I listened to nothing else for more than a year. Despite its amazing cheapness, I don't believe it is at all inferior to more expensive ones

Janacek's last opera, based on Dostoevsky. It presents pictures from prison life. I prefer the overture played a little faster, but otherwise the recording is very good.

Extremely colourful. Don't forget the symphonies and the Poem of Ecstasy.

The epitome of brevity