The LP consisted of 12 tracks, all of which were vocal adaptations of classical pieces first created by composers like Tchaikovsky and Schubert.

The Classic Della made the US Billboard 200 chart and included Reese's most commercially-successful single release: "Don't You Know?".

[3] The Classic Della was cut in recording sessions held at RCA Studio A, located in New York City.

Cash Box magazine wrote, "Della Reese demonstrates her stature as a major artist in this Victor offering which showcases her talents singing modem adaptations of the works of Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Debussy and others.

"[5] Charles Schreiber of The Montreal Gazette newspaper praised Reese's performances and called the Glenn Osser arrangements "outstanding".

[6] Walt Friedwald, author of the book A Biographical Guide to the Great Jazz and Pop Singers, called it "a fairly dispensable album" when describing her RCA discography.

[1] John Bush of AllMusic gave it a four out of five star rating, writing, "Fortunately, Della Reese's voice -- as strong, controlled, and pitch-perfect as it had proven in the past -- is up to the challenge of such heavy material.