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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
jim204
881 posts
 
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.
newbee
4,775 posts
 
Bought a couple of CD’s from Presto a couple of months ago without problems. Never have had a problem with them. 
jcazador
417 posts
 
Have you heard Alexander Melnikov?His Shostakovich Preludes are a treasure.He has also recorded on period instruments.Richter was his mentor (though not his teacher).
Wiki says:" Melnikov’s recording of the complete Preludes and Fugues by Shostakovich was awarded the BBC Music Magazine Award, Choc de classica and the Jahrespreis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. In 2011, it was also named by the BBC Music Magazine as one of the “50 Greatest Recordings of All Time.” Additionally, Melnikov’s discography features works by Brahms, Rachmaninoff and Scriabin. "
newbee
4,775 posts
 
I haven't heard this recording, or for that matter any of his recordings. My go to Preludes have been those by Tatiana Nikolayeva on Hyperion. I'll have to give his a try.

FWIW, another Shostakovich performance I really enjoy is his Aphorisms, op13, by Ashkenazy on Decca. Give ity a listen if you haven't already.
jcazador
417 posts
 
yes I have the Ashkenazy Shostakovich Aphorisms on Decca,
also contains Dances of the Dolls, Preludes, Sonata #2, and other pieces toohttps://www.amazon.com/Shostakovich-Piano-Works-Dmitri/dp/B0000SWNIO
I have never heard an Ashkenazy piano recording that I did not love, both for his performance, and also for technical excellenceHe is best pianist I have ever heard live (long ago, and inexpensive)

another Melnikov gem, Schubert duets with Isabelle Fausthttps://www.amazon.com/Schubert-Violin-Sonata-D-574-Fantasie/dp/B000DJBEXA
More to discover