Suggestions For Classical & Symphonic CDs


I’m not interested in opera and I have not developed enough of an appreciation for classical music to understand the different multi-movement structures and related musical forms of the genre. I’m not even sure if music performed by a symphony is necessarily classical. I do know that I like the grand movements of a full symphony with all the varying dynamics and passages. I can’t site any specific samples because of my naiveté with classical music. I do appreciate a solo violin, and I especially like passages involving all of the strings (violins, viola, cello and bass). I have acquired some fuller-range speakers and I would like to listen to some “full-range” string movements/symphonic movements). I have also been listening to music at a much lower volume lately – I listened to the Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions last night, in the dark with the volume at a very moderate level (as not to disturb my sleeping cherubs). It was a wonderful experience. I think I would really appreciate duplicating this listening experience with the type of music mentioned above. I do not have an SACD player and I am only interested in the very best of Red Book (production value).

Thank you.
Ben
2chnlben
Dvorak, Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op 95, From the New World. EMI, The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Wolfgang Sawallisch. A good performance. Covers most of the mentioned bases. Always a winner.

The Reference Recording of Copland is outstanding for its incredible horns, but that's in HDCD.
If you especially like massed strings, try:

Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings
Dvorak's Serenade for Strings
Richard Strauss, Metamorphosen

Also, Wagner's Siegfried Idyll for small orchestra.

Many good recordings of the above are available.

And here's a tip for a gorgeous collection on the budget label, Naxos, beautifully performed and well-recorded, and perfect for the late-night session alternative to Cowboy Junkies: "Swedish Orchestral Favorites Vol. 2," CD # 8.553715. Do yourself a favor and order it immediately -- if I'm wrong (and I don't think I am), you're only out a few bucks.
A further thought after my previous post -- for that late-night listening session, you should move beyond orchestral to chamber works. If you're feeling adventurous, try a CD by Arvo Part called "Alina" (on the ECM label) -- it takes you through sound to a place of stillness beyond sound. Simply beautiful and beautifully simple.