The two hundred and sixtieth classical recording: #103 Jean-Philippe Rameau - Castor et Pollux
Although mostly an opera, Castor et Pollux gives a lot of room to ballet as well, leading from its roots as a Greek warrior story that lends itself for more upbeat, combatitive scenes in between lamenting arias coming from funeral and death.It's not an opera that necessarily plays with the form, but it's such a solid, early example of the genre that it stands out in the story and feelings it offers. The music may not always live up to the staging the story allows - it feels like it could be pushed further, but it pulls off being a grand score anyway.