Classical music newbie

Based on you starting post.

Start with some standard stuff such as

Tchaikovsky violin concert

or

Sibelius violin concert

ragman is 'bang on'. Try this, Ferras playing Tchaikovsky. Not maybe the purists version, but it is fantastic  :

Thank you for your suggestions, I will definitely give them a go.

Ah, you'll need to listen to the Master then - JS Bach. Not only played violin and harpsichord, but wrote sublimely for them as well. Get your teeth into these:

Complete Brandenburg concerti: I like Boston Baroque under Martin Perlman on Telarc (CD80412)...

...but I've heard very good things about the Dunedin consort's new recording on Linn:

Solo and double violin concerti - I would recommend Andrew Manze and Rachel Pdger with the AAM on harmonia mundi (HMU 907155):

If you try these and like them, let me know and I can give you another dozen or so to try!

Mark

Before I start into recordings, there's almost always live classical performances to hear - just look in your local paper. Some university ensembles are truly fantastic, and their performances are usually free. You don't need to start with expensive performances from famous orchestras.

In terms of getting a good overview and building a collection, I'd start with some box sets - the Mercury Living Presence set and the Royal Concertgebouw Anthologies.  

I think a great hi fi really shines with small group classical chamber music.  Personally, I love Beethoven's piano sonatas and cello sonatas.  Tons of great recordings of all of those. Jeremy Denk also has a fantastic new version of Bach's Goldberg Variations (solo piano.) out on Nonesuch.

Going the other way from standard classical fare - and potentially coming closer to your love of Prog, you should listen to new "classical" groups - especially string groups like Brooklyn Rider,  Eighth Blackbird and composers Jennifer Higdon and Steve Reich.  Avro Part's "Alina" is an ambient milestone. Though certainly not new, Bach's Motets are some of the most radical music ever written (and talk about a work out for your system.) There's a great new release from John Eliot Gardiner and the Montiverdi Choir.

Gramaphone magazine isn't for everyone, but its easy to browse music with their online player. They include maybe 10 albums a month of recently issued classical music. http://www.gramophone.co.uk

Being an accomplished classical pianist myself, and lover of classical music, here are some 'must have' albums.

Itzhak Perlman playing Bach's sonatas and partials for solo violin.

Kenneth Gilbert playing Bach's 48 for solo harpsichord. 

Nuff said.

Thank you all for your advise, I'm stuck in a hotel now so I will have a look at purchasing some of your recommendations.

Schubert quartet in G performed by the quartetto italiano.