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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For another rocking piece (different century) try Andreas Staier (my favorite period keyboard player) performing Antonio Soler's Fandango.


For adventurous Bach enthusiasts - '13 ways of looking at the Goldberg' by Lara Downes on Tritone Records (CD). A very interesting journey into the possible. Enjoy if you can. BTW, this lady, who I really enjoy,  has an interesting discography. For me, her works on the Steinway & Sons label are very enjoyable, especially 'Exiles' Cafe' and "A Billie Holiday Songbook'.  
Watching video of Arrau 80th birthday recital.It does not get any better than this!