Debussy and Ravel's string quartets
So, remaining in France, we come to Debussy and Ravel. I love string quartets, of course I could start with Haydn, but there is a special, wonderful charm about the Debussy string quartet and the Ravel too: they are always on one CD, and both are absolutely miracles. Miracles in melody and atmosphere. The string quartet is such a limited form - four people with string instruments - and still, I think it's the most sublime art in Western music.