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


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- Herbert von Karajan Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Japanese Import (UHQCD). *Currently out of stock on Elusive Disc
- Mahler Symphony No.1 (XRCD24) - http://www.elusivedisc.com/Mahler-Symphony-No-1-XRCD24/productinfo/HIQSXR35/- Brahms: Symphony No.4 [SHM-CD] [Limited Release]  - http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UCCG-9956?s_ssid=e363725b8189cb6df7
Wagner Ring by either Von Karajan or Solti. From the golden age of Vienna and Berlin orchestras.
You requested recommendations for high sound quality classical CDs. Here you go.

Beethoven 9: Sir Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic (issued 2016). If you can't buy the individual CD and don't want a digital download, go for  Osmo Vänskä's 9th with the Minnesota Orchestra, on the BIS label. 

Mahler 4th: Adam Fischer, Dusseldorf Symphony

Brahms 4th: Andris Nelsons, Boston Symphony Orchestra; or Riccardo Chailly,  Gewandhausorchester

Dvorak 9th ('From the New World'):  Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Houston Symphony

All of these are recent recordings (within the past 10 years). For quality of performances and sound quality, check the online reviews.
 
Hope this is helpful.

TimT

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