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
The Reiner Chicago Ein Heldenleben is not exactly chopped liver. In fact it was the first stereo RCA Living Stereo recording, 1954.
And the Reiner is still available in CD and SACD format on Amazon -- appears to be an iconic recording.
Sir Adrian Boult Concert Favorites.  Chesky 180 gram. CR53  

Reference Disc
And the "Dives" award goes to...
Scriabin: Piano Concerto in f-sharp minor, II: Andante. It will keep you coming back for more.
The outer movements are also superb and the end to the concerto is notable.
Am listening to the BIS release, Stockholm Phil/Segerstam with pianist Roland Pontinen; perfectly good recording but understand the Ashkenazy is the standard.
I have the Ashkenazy/Maazel recording on London, but haven't listened to it in ages.  Pulled out and up for listening soon.