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Recommendations for a few high SQ classical CDs

I have a modest collection of classical music CDs, most of it symphonic works, maybe 20-30 CDs at most. Most of my musical interest is with rock, roots rock and blues but I do enjoy classical music but have limited knowledge and experience.

I am also a new audiophile with my first hifi system for about a month now.

I would like some specific recommendations on just a few symphonies (for now). What I am looking for at this point is good CD recordings rather than the nature of the performance/conductor/orchestra. In other words, I'm looking for SQ first and performance quality second. I know that might sound backwards but I don't have enough knowledge to have a major preference between performances but I can hear SQ. Certainly a great recording of a great performance is ideal.

To keep things limited I am specifically interested in these works:

Beethoven's 9th
Mahler's 4th
Dvorak's 4th
Brahm's 4th

Certainly open to other symphonies by these composers. I have the works listed above and other symphonies by them as well.

Thanks for any recommendations,

George


n80
glupson
7,842 posts
 
n80,

Once upon a time, I heard a report on the radio that talked about popularity of opera among people who otherwise prefer punk rock. It talked about similarities between those two, what appears to be completely different, styles of music. I cannot repeat it now, but they dissected it and it made sense.

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=911160
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,403 posts
 
I'd like to comment on SQ of some of the CD's listed. The Karajan New Years Concert was mentioned. First some history; Deutsche Grammophon's digital recordings from the 1980's are far from good sound quality. Sound was dry, harsh, and their technique of multi-mic'ing resulted in a closed-in and flat presentation. DG was far behind other record labels during the early years of the CD.
    My point is to steer clear of the early DG DDD recordings, as most were remastered later in an attempt to make them listenable.

Now, I would assume the Japanese K2 CD would be superior to the DG issues for sale from US vendors.

One last comment; The San Francisco Symphony's recordings from
their record label are some of the best I've heard. It's true the SQ and performances are top class.
   Other major symphonies have created their own record labels and sell very high quality CD's. One that comes to mind is The London Symphony Orchestra.

n80 OP
2,112 posts
 
Thanks lowrider. I've got several CDs by the London Symphony Orchestra. Not home right now so I'll check which ones later.

glupson, in Italy opera is still popular with young people. I saw Tosca at the Parma opera house in April (my first opera) and there were lots of young people and children there. They sell tickets for the top tier which is standing only, no seats, and they say it is often full of young people who stand through these two hour productions.

My first thought was that these must be wealthy young folks because even standing tickets aren't cheap and floor seats are high....but you commonly see rock concert tickets for $150 and pro football tickets are that high too.
skoczylas's avatar
skoczylas
240 posts
 
+1 lowrider. Deutche Grammophone  is one of the offenders I was referring to when advising to stay away from the fancy formats. Such great names and lots of techno involved but the result is totally flat.

To bring together a few recommendations - the San Francisco SO does a great Copeland as well, lots of air nice brass and good clean sound with depth.

+1 bdp24 on baroque music. I was a romantic snob but finally came around to the older music and find it totally beguiling. One example - Handels Tamerlane opera. Who knew? Not me until recently.

Enjoy
photon46
1,077 posts
 
In addition to all suggestions made so far, you can entertain yourself in near perpetuity perusing Arkiv Music and Presto Classical's websites for further ideas and reviewer recommendations. Any composition you are interested in can be searched by several parameters. I have found many gems searching under the "recommended"heading. 
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