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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
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
jcazador
417 posts
 
and yes, I am big fan of Nikolayeva, well aware of her closeness to Shostakovich.I have lots of her prizewinning Bach, also Beethoven, Schumann, Prokofievand of course the Shostakovich preludes and fugues (which you mention).
daverz
487 posts
 
A follow-on to the Gorecki 3rd is difficult because even Gorecki didn't write much like it.

Some suggestions:

Hovhaness, Mysterious Mountain
Vaughan Williams: Tallis Fantasia
Feldman: Rothko Chapel
Part: Fratres (ECM)
Britten: Sea Interludes and Passacaglia
More to discover