EMI's
50 Best Relaxing is a triple-disc anthology of soothing and reflective classical hits, all selected with care from the label's extensive backlist. The set is divided into three broad categories, with the first disc devoted to the mellow Classical works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, while the second CD is a mix of calm Romantic pieces, and the third disc offers selections of gentle piano music. The roster of performers is essentially a Who's Who of the great 20th century artists who recorded for EMI in the analog and digital eras. The recording dates range between 1959 and 2000, so there is some slight unevenness in sound quality, but because the tracks have been well-balanced for comfortable home listening, there are no sudden changes in volume to disturb the listener. While some may use this set as a general survey of classical music, much of the music will be recognizable to casual classical fans and need no introduction. Indeed, because the selections are familiar, the collection is even better suited to use as background and relaxation music.