"The 100 Most Essential Pieces of Classical Music" is a popular digital-only compilation released by X5 Music Group (now part of Warner Music Group) in 2008

Works such as Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring or Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier are considered essential because they fundamentally changed how music was composed.

The list of 100 essential pieces is extensive and varied, featuring works by renowned composers and pieces that have become cultural touchstones. For those interested in exploring classical music through digital means, the term might suggest looking into legal and accessible ways to download or stream these works.