CLASSICAL

The Magic of Mozart: Music for Relaxation, Vol. 3. Contains the slower orchestral movements. Most soothing selections: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik for flute and harp... Quintet for Clarinet... Sonata for Piano. (London Records)

Adagio: Various Artists. Range of orchestral pieces with gentle rhythms to lift the spirit. Best: Albinoni’s Adagio in G Minor... Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major... Bach’s Air on the G String... Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. (Deutsche Grammophon)

Relax with the Classics. A series of CDs which are purposefully sequenced and meticulously recorded with decreasing tempos to promote stress reduction and relaxation. (The LIND Institute, 800-532-7678)

COUNTRY-WESTERN

Sails. A collection of light instrumentals from guitarist Chet Atkins. I like to listen to this CD when I’m driving. It helps relieve tension but has a lively tempo to keep me alert. (Columbia)

NATURE SOUNDS

The Pachelbel Canon with Ocean Sounds. New age group Anastasi blends the well-known Canon with ocean sounds -- a soothing mix, given that research shows repetitive sounds promote relaxation. (Real Music)

NEW AGE

Cristofori’s Dream. David Lanz’s piano music is mystical and dreamlike. Excellent background music when you’re preparing to go to sleep. (Narada)

Ocean Dreams. Dean Evenson blends dolphin and whale sounds with flute, harp and synthesizer music to enhance feelings of inner peace and tranquillity. Evokes beach and ocean imagery. (Soundings of the Planet)

Paint the Sky with Stars: The Best of Enya. Lullabies to help you fall asleep... and livelier pieces. (Reprise)

Spectrum Suite. Steven Halpern runs through the seven keys of the music scale, which are supposed to resonate in the seven energy centers of the body. Great for bedtime and during meditation. (Inner Peace Music)

Solitudes -- Music for Your Health. Over 50 CDs using both music and nature sounds to promote relaxation and stress relief. Both classical and New Age music are offered. (800-788-6543. www.solitudes.com)