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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.


rvpiano
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,820 posts
 
kef_lover,

Do you have the LP’s of the recordings in your last post?

I’ll list my favorites of your selections in my next post.
kef_lover
29 posts
 
B139? Is that the flat "racetrack" woofer? If it is, I have the same woofer on a pair of KEF C80s. They produce outstanding bass, but I much prefer the B110 mid on the 101s. The T33 tweeter isn't bad, but again I prefer the T27.
kef_lover
29 posts
 
BTW, upgrading the internal wiring and replacing the resistor to the T27 was a substantial upgrade to the tweeter’s performance on the 101s. Replacing the wiring and bypassing the overload protection circuit (S-STOP) yielded a big improvement to the entire bass response. I also upgraded as many crossover parts as I was able to. They really sound quite wonderful. In comparison, the stock 101s sounded compressed, bass deficient, and the T27 had noticeable grittiness.
The 101s, both stock and modded, are quite power hungry. I’ve found they sound their best powered by 90wpc Altec monoblocks (modified 1569s). Using this combo, the dynamics are quite impressive too.


kef_lover
29 posts
 
Yes rvpiano, I have the LPs of all the titles that I posted. Any in particular catch your interest? BTW, the Victrolas are all plum labels.
kef_lover
29 posts
 
The Brahms Sym. #2 Munch/BSO on RCA is the only other title that I don't have on LP. I believe its first stereo release was on a Gold Seal LP. I first discovered it on a Gold Seal CD. Although it didn't sound altogether excellent, I heard what I thought was potential if it were given a better CD transfer. I learned that it was a 2-track recorded in '55, so I knew it could be a winner. It subsequently received a good transfer to CD and is coupled with Brahms #4, also with Munch/BSO.

I waited a long time for the Debussy Nocturnes with Monteux/BSO to get a good CD transfer too, although I discovered it on a plum Victrola LP. I started with a mediocre Gold Seal CD. But it was finally released in excellent sound on the 2-CD "Monteux-Great Conductors of the 20th Century". If you don't have the set, it's worth the price for this recording alone if you enjoy CDs.
More to discover