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
I have Saint-Saen's 3rd on Telarc, Eugene Ormandy and Philadelphia Orchestra. I'll listen to it tonight and see how it sounds.
I have Saint-Saen's 3rd on Telarc, Eugene Ormandy and Philadelphia Orchestra. I'll listen to it tonight and see how it sounds.


That is a very good recording with a smashing crescendo at the end. Enjoy. 
I agree. To hear the first movement and the beginning of the second movement well the volume has to be up fairly high; over 1/3rd on my system. At that volume you can feel the bass and vibration in the floor with that rousing ending.
One very inexpensive approach - especially for someone who wants a variety of works - is to buy one of the Mercury Living Presence CD box sets. They were great performances lovingly recorded and produced. The box sets are an unbeatable bargain. Instant collection.