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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.


128x128rvpiano
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,708 posts
 
Although Volodos may be my favorite among pianists performing today, i really don’t like his way with Brahms as represented in this album.  He plays in a hushed, sort of reverential manner, eviscerating the bones of the music.  It almost sounds impressionistic.  Brahms’ inherent counterpoint is somehow lost.  While this is not the heaven storming music of his youth,  Brahms is emasculated in this manner.
Volodos’ tone is sumptuous, and the playing is immaculate.  The recorded piano sound is really gorgeous. But, in my opinion these performances miss the mark by a wide margin.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
My mind can’t get past Ivan Moravec .


And the older my mind gets the more it loves Brahms .
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,708 posts
 
So does mine!
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Here are the missing parts ,the intellect and study to know where the master was going and the heart, soul, and humility to travel that path .

https://youtu.be/wNV5I1Polws?t=1

Perfect !

 
newbee
4,780 posts
 
Too bad Moravec didn't record more music for the solo piano. I have his Brahms Intermezzo Op117, #2 and OP118 , #2. This recording (Vaia 1096) was my introduction to Brahms solo piano music. Tough to follow up on this. Fortunately for other pianists, unfortunately for us, he didn't record a lot more.

FWIW I have two words for Volodos recording, somewhat dark and  broad (sumptuous?), and flaccid. I agree with your thoughts ---

I took a few minutes this morning and listened to the Intermezzo OP118 by Plowright, Kubalek (a long time favorite -  performances not damaged by the recording) and Lupu. I find  Plowright's Brahms the opposite of  Volodos'. He has 4 volumes of Brahms piano music and I wouldn't be without them. Not sleepy time performances. :-)
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