The Classical Collection

Back in the mid-1990s, I collected the monthly issues of The Classical Collection from the bookstands but stopped at the 45th issue as there was no indication when the series would end. The magazines were very informative as each issue dealt with the life histories of the classical music composers. Accompanying each issue would be a compact disc that showcased the composer's music, played by lesser known second or third-tier orchestras which were good enough, actually. 

One doesn't need listening to world-renowned orchestras to appreciate classical music. Many second and third-tier orchestras also do an exemplary job if one gives them a listening ear. Thus, if they are the National Symphony Orchestra (from Canada) or the Radio Symphony Orchestra Ljubjlana or Slovak Philharmonic playing well on these compact discs, never mind the point that they are not a first-tier orchestra like the Berlin Philharmonic or the London Symphony Orchestra. Just sit back and enjoy their music output. 

The image below shows all my 45 copies, including an extra Christmas issue. All came with corresponding compact discs. I learnt later that eventually, 108 issues were produced. Almost all the composers were featured multiple times. A list of the compact discs appears here.