Question for classical music buffs

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In the past I've tried to get more in to classical music but honestly suffered from not really knowing where to start. So, to help me and others like me, if you are into classical music, please:

a) post a favorite piece (or two, or three) - something perhaps not so well known that everyone has heard of it even if they aren't into classical music
b) say why you like it
c) tell us what you think is the best recording of this piece
d) give us an example of an alternate recording of this piece - something that you think is a good recording, but serves as a good contrast to the recording you think is the best recording to help us see why your 'best' recording is better

As a huge fan of classical music, I'll try my best to help out. It's kind of my special interest, so I really love being able to share it with others who are trying to gain interest in it. One thing to keep in mind is that classical music is an extremely diverse genre, full of different styles and periods. I can almost guarantee that there is something in classical for everyone, be that they like any music at all. I'll try to post a few varied options for you from different aspects of the genre (and these are by NO means all-inclusive). Most of my posts are single movements of larger works...I usually post these for people who are looking to get into classical, since the full works are often quite long (30min-2hr is typical). I would also refer you to the following link, which is a pretty good list of the top classical works: http://www.talkclassical.com/17996-comp ... ended.html


Opera:
a.) Monteverdi - Pur Ti Miro : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YJIJlGkUJw
b.) What's not to like? It's one of the most poignant love duets in the genre, although if you know the story it's somewhat more ironic. Monteverdi is often considered the father of opera, and this is a short selection from one of the first operas ever composed...the style is far different from the later operas or those of today.
c.) The one I linked
d.) Alternate recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GkMuOKEgtw

Symphony:
a.) Sibelius - Symphony #5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s_qlafKO5E
b.) I find this to be his most uplifting symphony, and it always puts me in a good mood
c.) I love the Karajan recording, linked below.
d.) Entire piece: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8qiAMOiygs

Chamber Music:
a.) Rachmaninoff - Cello Sonata: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3i0O7cxGa4
b.) It's an incredibly beautiful piece that encompasses a wide range of emotion and substance. I could listen to this one on repeat practically all day. The way that the cello and piano both play off of each other is just magnificent!
c.) I don't have a favorite necessarily...most of the ones I've heard are all good.
d.) Link to the entire work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POPZ7_IXckg

Choral:
a.) Brahms - German Requiem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6XLppr74YU
b.) This is an extremely moving piece that helped me to get through a difficult time in my life. In the movement I posted, I consider the section from 3:40-4:41 to be my absolute favorite section of music I've ever heard. The sound, the words, the harmonies...it's all just perfect!
c.) The one I posted is probably my favorite. This particular piece is one that I'm very nit-picky about. I find that far too many people play this at far too fast of a tempo, and it really takes away from it.
d.) Entire work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LydPLNdob1c

Cantata:
a.) Bach - Cantata BWV 82: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKax5-GHC1Y
b.) Once you listen to it, you'll definitely be Bach for more!
c.) The one I posted
d.) Entire work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPmUrdotPpA