'This is such a difficult thing to do as there is so much music out there that either moves you or is very personal to you. However, this list represents a good cross section of music and composers that are important to me. Most of the works are obviously amazing and move listeners to emotional distraction.

The Bartok little piano piece sums up his inspiration in the smallest nutshell – brings me to tears every time. My Christmas Carol was a dream come true. For most of my life at the back of my mind, I had always wanted to write a carol. Well, I’ve written many now, but 'Born in a Poor Place' will always remain special for me. For shear emotional dizziness, the Janacek simply does it! Enjoy.'
Steve King, Viola

No 1: Bach, St. Mathew Passion
Dunedin Consort

No 2: Strauss, 'Metamorphosen'
Staatskapelle Dresden, Rudolf Kempe

No 3: Steve King, 'Born in a Poor Place'
SCO Chorus & Orchestra, Steve King

No 4: Vaughan Williams, Symphony No 5
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davies

No 5: Bartok, Three Folksongs from the County Csik
Balazs Szokolay

No 6: Brahms, Symphony No.3
Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Robin Ticciati

No 7: Beethoven: Late Quartets
Alban Berg Quartett

No 8: Britten, Peter Grimes
London Symphony Orchestra, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, Benjamin Britten

No 9: Sibelius, Symphony No 6
Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Paavo Berglund

No 10: Janacek, Sinfonietta
Vienna Philharmonic, Sir Charles Mackerras

No 11: Tippett, ‘The Midsummer Marriage’
Orchestra & Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davies

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