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
@schubert       Len I don't know if you know or not but Theodor Currenzis has a wonderful recording of Tchaikovsky's Pathetique symphony and the conducting  and recording quallity are wonderful.Some of the transients on full orchestra are frightening making you jump out of your seat. Have a listen if you can I am sure you and all others here will enjoy it.
I hope you are keeping well Len during this monstrous lockdown , keep your spirits up my friend. Alba forever.
It’s hard indeed jim , get my 2nd vac tomorrow at the huge Vets hospital in Minneapolis .

I will certainly buy the Currenzis if available . Conductors are always interesting to me .
Right now I just play Brendel or Arrau . The ones I’ve heard in person ,I loved them when I heard them and  still do.
Scarlatti sounds good on a Tuba .

Now is the hour for Scotia , she will be welcomed with open arms to the EU .
Currentzis’ Pathetique is a little (maybe a lot) over the top, but very effective nonetheless.
Thanks rv !  Just going to hunt it.
Received my GRAMOPHONE .

On cover. "Alfred Brendel at 90: looking back over a glorious career" .
Happy birthday Alfred and I really mean it. He more than any other pianist who I have heard live taught me more about Schubert and Beethoven.
I was always going to Glasgow or Edinburgh each week of the concert season and Edinburgh Festivals to hear him but oh how pained he made it look , but like Mitsuko Uchida you just had to suffer it. Bless you Alfred.