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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
marktomaras
544 posts
 
For me, a part time classical lover, I'll never forget one of the first pieces that I was introduced to as a young boy.  I must have been 7 or 8 years old, and a family friend use to play Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major for me on his turntable.  I would get super enthusiastic and move my hands like a conductor of an orchestra, the music playing nice and loud :-)

To this day, it is a favorite of mine.  I have tried a few versions, but the one I like most this far, with a wonderful performance as well as great sonics is this one:

Fritz Reiner - Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto/ Heifetz, violin
Label: Analogue Productions (RCA Living Stereo)

schubert
7,386 posts
 
veriwide100, great post and right you are !
The Lutoslawski -Concerto for Cello is a fave of mine too .
A truly great recording is Rostopovich on one of the EMI  " Great Recordings of the Century " .
newbee
4,775 posts
 
rvpiano, I only have two performances of 'The Bells'  - I'm intrigued by your recommendation of Askenazy on Decca. I have his other Decca recordings and have always enjoyed them, often preferring them. I'll see if I can find his version of 'The Bells'. 

Since you seem to like this type of music I have a recommendation for you -
Alexander Grechaninov, a Russian who's best music (IMHO) is his choral output. Assuming you are not familiar, but interested, I suggest you listen to his 'premier recordings' of Symphony #1, Snowflakes, and Missa Sancti Spiritus by Valery Polyansky with the Russian State Symphonic Cappella and the Russian State SO on Chandos. I'd buy this disc for "Snowflakes' alone. You've got to hear it!

Now if your interested in more Gretchaninov try his Passion Week by the Phoenix Bach Choir and the Kansas City Chorale on Chandos.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
I've been plugging through the Hyperion 19C piano concerto series, with many worthy but ultimately forgettable pieces.  Last night listened to some Scharwenka concertos, that were surprisingly good.  On Collins, though I see he's on Hyperion as well.  If you're tired of Grieg, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, etc., give it a try.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,705 posts
 
Newbee,

Thanks for the recommendation.  I’ll definitely order it.
Polyansky’s  recording of “The Bells” is among the best.
One of the great musical experiences of my life was at a live concert with him conducting Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony. Truly extraordinary.
More to discover