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Classical Music for Aficionados

I would like to start a thread, similar to Orpheus’ jazz site, for lovers of classical music.
I will list some of my favorite recordings, CDs as well as LP’s. While good sound is not a prime requisite, it will be a consideration.
  Classical music lovers please feel free to add to my lists.
Discussion of musical and recording issues will be welcome.

I’ll start with a list of CDs.  Records to follow in a later post.

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique.  Chesky  — Royal Phil. Orch.  Freccia, conductor.
Mahler:  Des Knaben Wunderhorn.  Vanguard Classics — Vienna Festival Orch. Prohaska, conductor.
Prokofiev:  Scythian Suite et. al.  DG  — Chicago Symphony  Abbado, conductor.
Brahms: Symphony #1.  Chesky — London Symph. Orch.  Horenstein, conductor.
Stravinsky: L’Histoire du Soldat. HDTT — Ars Nova.  Mandell, conductor.
Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances. Analogue Productions. — Dallas Symph Orch. Johanos, cond.
Respighi: Roman Festivals et. al. Chesky — Royal Phil. Orch. Freccia, conductor.

All of the above happen to be great sounding recordings, but, as I said, sonics is not a prerequisite.


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schubert
7,386 posts
 
There may be a case for early music but by Baroque era it is pretty well known what was what in instruments,and you can hear them today .
My self, I don’t pay much attention to those who say Bach etc would have used this or that modern instrument had it existed in favor of what he did write for those who did exist .
As always to each his own .
craigl59
307 posts
 

Dag Wiren: Symphonies 2,3, Overtures by Norrkoping SO/Dausgaard. A CPO release.

Wiren was a Swedish figure (1905-86) sometimes cited as a Nielsen disciple during his lifetime. The 2 symphonies here are very different but the 3rd symphony (1944) is composed of recurring motives, ostinato accompaniments, and limited harmonic motion.

As such, it sounds proto-minimalist in style and you can almost hear Glass waiting in the wings. Play it loud on a good audio system.

vindanpar
58 posts
 
Another poster mentioned the Gendron box while saying it was pricey.
It is available on Amazon.uk for almost half the price coming out to about $6.00 a cd which back in the halcyon days of Tower would have been considered budget cds. And we're talking 25-30 years ago so with inflation they're super budget.
craigl59
307 posts
 
The field of classical music is undergoing the same extreme downturn that all musicians have been facing since the 1980s. Here’s a NYT article stressing the need to pass legislation to bolster funding as well as alarming stats showing why many, including yours truly, moved to another field to make a living.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/28/opinion/congress-musicians-music-bus.html?action=click&pgtype...
Note that the Grammys tonight are unlikely to spend any time at all with classical activity and, as well, that the ability to purchase classical media has become increasingly difficult. The number of new classical recordings being produced each year has plummeted and is largely centered in Europe.
When it becomes clear you cannot make a living in a field, the best minds select other fields even if they are musically inclined. Comparing the Grammys with the Oscars shows where the money is.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Only important thing about the Grammie's was my "home" Band , the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra ,won for Best Chamber Music Recording/ Small  Ensemble .
Schubert's " Death and the Maiden" with Patricia Kopatchinskaja .

Best CO in USA playing in best Hall in USA has the lowest ticket prices of any major orchestra in America AND up to 4 kids get in free with parents .
Also players do about 50 concerts a year free in St. Paul Schools .

So please buy the record .


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