Haydn invented the string quartet, and if you find them as lovely as most do, you'll want this comprehensive set by the Angeles Quartet. The playing and the recording are excellent, and reasonably priced for a 21-disc set. You can certainly find truly outstanding separate recordings of these pieces by leading artists, but you'll not find them in one set executed with this level of skill.

Potentially the standard by which all others are judged, this collection of Bach's Harpsichord Concertos is now priced at less than 75% of its original level in the 1980's, making it a no-brainer both by performance and cost views. Recording quailty is stellar, and Pinnock's performances superb.

Dorati's classic set has just been re-released, for the first time making this classic set available at a reasonable price. There may be some better recordings out there, but this set started much of the Hadyn cycle projects, and still remains a defacto standard for Haydn.

Perahia's fluid and moving playing is unmatched by nearly anyone on the scene today, and Sony's recording here is one of the outstanding collections of Beethoven's Piano Concertos you can find.

Perhaps the only comprehensive collection of Handel's magnificent harpsichord suites, this new recording with Borgstede playing on a period reproduction is simply stellar in every respect. Because its done by Brilliant Classics, this set is quite affordable, as well!

On modern instruments, with lush, smooth sonics and performances. If you like Beethoven on non-period instruments, this set is perfect for you.

Exceptionally precise and detailed performance by one of the leading string quartets of the day, Emerson's offering is just about perfect.

If there is a finer set of Mozart pieces available, I've not heard them.

Arrau's set is a standard by which others are frequently measured. Also included are solid recordings of the five piano concertos, which are among Beethoven's greatest accomplishments.