The DUO guide to Classics--An A to Z of classical music

Here's an interesting concept: two CDs of great classical music excerpts combined with a nearly 250-page booklet featuring a glossary of all the major classical terms (from adagio to zarzuela), along with brief biographical notes for all the composers included. The excerpts are all generally superb, the price can't be beat, and the liner notes should be informative to any classical neophyte--not a bad introduction to classical music's greatest hits. The set might have been even more effective if the music was listed chronologically (rather than by composer's last name), but this is a minor qualm. --Edward Garabedian