India, May 29 -- 2>* Igor Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring:

The piece that redefined classical music for a new century, The Rite of Spring caused a riot when it was first performed. Above is the recommended version - the 1960 one with Stravinsky conducting the musicians of the New York Philharmonic (calling themselves the Columbia Symphony Orchestra).

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Prokofiev wrote better pieces, but this one is probably, along with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the most famous piece written for children. Recommended recordings? Take your pick from a range of narrators: Basil Rathbone, Sean Connery, John Gielgud, David Bowie (above), or the superstar team of Mikhail Gorbachev, Bill Clinton and Sophia Loren.

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* Duke Ellington, Mood Indigo:

From the...