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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
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.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,823 posts
 
Yes, the Victrolas and the London Treasurys are often from the original master.
A great example is Stravinsky’s “Song of the Nightingale” by Reiner. It’s demonstration quality and rivals the expensive Analog Productions reissue.
Similarly, the Peter Maag LP’s on London Treasury of Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture” and Third Symphony sound wonderful.

I’m going to order the Monteux CD set.
kef_lover
29 posts
 
There's a good sounding Victrola of Reiner's Song of the Nightingale? Plum label?

I know you'll enjoy the Nocturnes.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,823 posts
 
Yes, Victrola, with “Lieutenant Kije “ on the flip side.
Label is black and gold.

l really love the Haitink performance of the Nocturnes, with the atmospheric Concertgebouw sound, on Philips.
I have the LP and CD.
 CD sounds great.
More to discover