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Recommendations for a few high SQ classical CDs

I have a modest collection of classical music CDs, most of it symphonic works, maybe 20-30 CDs at most. Most of my musical interest is with rock, roots rock and blues but I do enjoy classical music but have limited knowledge and experience.

I am also a new audiophile with my first hifi system for about a month now.

I would like some specific recommendations on just a few symphonies (for now). What I am looking for at this point is good CD recordings rather than the nature of the performance/conductor/orchestra. In other words, I'm looking for SQ first and performance quality second. I know that might sound backwards but I don't have enough knowledge to have a major preference between performances but I can hear SQ. Certainly a great recording of a great performance is ideal.

To keep things limited I am specifically interested in these works:

Beethoven's 9th
Mahler's 4th
Dvorak's 4th
Brahm's 4th

Certainly open to other symphonies by these composers. I have the works listed above and other symphonies by them as well.

Thanks for any recommendations,

George


n80
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Solti's Beethoven #9 from 1972 on London Records (remastered) is a masterpiece. The sound quality is very good for a recording from that era, but the performance is unlike any other 9th...and superior to his later digital release.
  I usually prefer a quicker tempo for Beethoven, but Solti's interpretation with the Chicago Symphony is something very special.


almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Get the Chesky re-issues of Dvorak’s Ninth (the "New World" symphony) and Brahms’ First, both conducted by the great Jascha Horenstein, and prepare to be amazed! You will not believe that they were recorded in 1962.

Both are out of print but are offered by various sellers at Amazon.

Regards,
-- Al
newbee
4,767 posts
 
A couple of very high quality and relatively modern recordings of excellent performances -

Mahler Symphony #1 on Telarc by Zander. This disc includes a wonderful rendition of Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen. The sound quality is excellent. The program really satisfies me.

One not mentioned (by you), but if you want a really high quality (read demo quality) I highly recommend Copland’s Third Symphony by Eiji Oue and the Minnesota Orchestra on Reference Recording. It includes "fanfare for the common man" which is especially notable  sound reproduction wise.

Another piece you didn’t mention, which is really a symphony in disguise, Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances by Eiji Oue on Reference Recordings. A very dramatic piece and accessible. More demo music.

FWIW, most older RR recordings are audiophile wet dreams.


newbee
4,767 posts
 
Another new (for you perhaps) symphony that is highly regarded and enjoyed by most, is Sibelius' Symphony #2  conducted by Osmo Vanska with the Minnesota Orchestra on a BIS SACD. It includes another relatively accessible performance of Symphony #5. 

And, another very exciting piece of music in very high quality (both sound and performance) Stravinsky's Firebird Suite by Eiji on Reference Recordings.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Any of the named Haydn Symphonies conducted by Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martins on Philips.
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