What’s more metal than Bach’s driving bass line, chromatic suspensions, and florid inner voices?

Here are 10 albums from 2016 that stood out because of the incredible performances, the repertoire, the historical significance, or all of the above.

As Elling returned to his native Chicago for performances at City Winery, he spoke about how classical music has influenced him throughout his life.

“There are all kinds of ways to play Bach, and that depends on your personality and how you want to deal with Bach’s music.”

Composer Max Richter wants people to doze off during his latest composition, SLEEP, which he calls an “8-hour lullaby.”