Adding a "me too". I don't usually do much purchasing from the iTunes store but this was too good to pass up. Fantastic collection

I bought it although I have most of the individual tracks already. I mentioned it to my parents (on our iChat video conference - godess, how stupidly simple are Macs ) and they bought it as well.

For the people who are making this their first ever classical purchase try to listen to the full works of the excerpts in this collection. While the first movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (track 9) is brilliant the full work (and especially the end of the fourth movement) is just awe-inspiring.

The big problem with classical music is that it is regarded these days as being elitist. In its time it was the pop(ular) music of its day. Anyone today can still enjoy it (and a lot still do given how many riffs in current music are 'borrowed' from it). It has fantastic melodies and the ability to paint soundscapes which a three-minute thrashfest will never achieve no matter how loudly they yell. From Beethoven's sublime Ninth to the pomp of Orff's 'Carmina Burana'* and the fragile defiance of Mozart's Requiem to the sheer bombast of Wagner's 'Ride Of the Valkyries'** this collection covers most of what classical music can produce. It would be wonderful if it causes people to discover more of the genre.

As I write this post I'm listening to 'The Sisters Of Mercy'

* The lyrics sound really impressive in Latin but they are basically a bunch of thirteenth century songs about getting drunk and fancying women. Some things never change

** Try not to think of 'Apocalypse Now'.

I love classical music, and while this collection is a bit cliche'd, it's still damned good value!!

maybe because its aptly named "100 most essential pieces of classical music". I mean Fur elise is in there. But what a brilliant collection it is. Would be nice to play as background music in peaceful looking soundtracks or imovie clips!

Very nice indeed and great value, but missing one or two unmissable classics such as this and this. Any others?

They should have used the far more martial-sounding 'Mars' instead of 'Jupiter' for Holst (although the latter may get in the Manfred Mann Earthband fans which rips it off shamelessly). Also adding any part of Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony or an excerpt from the lachrymose Gorecki's Third Symphony. From the ABC's 'Life Is Beautiful' this track marries the orchestra with the didgeridoo and produces something truly Australian and beautiful.

Agreed, that ABC album is sensational. Great tip, quite a country we have here...

Im into a bit of classical occasionally for 10 bucks 50 ill give it a try

classical music would have died along time ago if it were protected by copyright. It continues to be played today because it is in the public domain. Where all dead artist music belongs.

Is this still available?

I tried purchasing the album but itunes wouldn't let me, saying that 'the price has changed or is different in another part of the store..'

Yes it has become unavailable AGAIN. Wait a few days .... I am sure it will be back.

Cool. Will do. Thanks.

Glad I got in when I did. You can't buy this album for $10.49 anymore, you can only buy the songs individually.

Well, well, well . . . the price has doubled!! But at least it's available again.

Should I buy now, or risk it disappearing again?

I figure it's good value at that price.. I'm gonna get it.

The only thing with these complitations is the addition of 100 new 'artists' in my itunes library and on the ipod/iphone.. makes it look really messy.