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
Has anyone ordered CDs from Presto Classical recently? Just tried to order the Sony reissue of Bigg's recording of the Rheinberger Organ Concertos (not available from Amazon) and am having problems. Won't go into specifics but would appreciate any information from others concerning this site/business: https://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/classical.
I’ve bought a lot of CDs  from Presto Clsssical.
Never had a problem.
Delivery takes a little longer because it’s overseas.
Has anyone had the chance to listen to Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde in the classic reading by Klemperer and Fritz Wunderlich and Christa Ludwig,in a wonderfull remastering by EMI. Absolutely astounding and even for 1964 it has cleaned up beautifully. I don't think I have ever heard better.
Also high on my list just now is,
Francesco Piemontesi - Liszt Annees de Pelerinage Swiss
Quite a young Swiss pianist with a beautifull singing tone almost reminds me of a young Murray Perrahia. Last year I had the pleasure of listening to him play Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 4 in my local town hall and it was really enjoyable.
Bought a couple of CD’s from Presto a couple of months ago without problems. Never have had a problem with them.