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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
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
@pete23 I strongly recommend Mahler 4 as the gateway drug to Mahler fanaticism.  Thereafter the world's your oyster: 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10.  There are passages in all that will test a system.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,655 posts
 
I agree Mahler 4 is the gateway, but I would posit Symphony 1 as the next step in the quest for Mahler prehension.  And it’s last movement will certainly be a challenge for any system.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,655 posts
 
Speaking of Mahler, although I have both the early (Sony) and late (DG) sets of Bernstein’s renderings of the symphonies, for some reason have avoided listening to them lately.
 I just recently selected the DG set to listen to again and WOW! What wonderful interpretations. The sound is first rate as well. I guess I took for granted they would be great, but hearing them again I’m more impressed than ever.
 I highly recommend this set as a great introduction for the novice.
 I’ll return to the earlier Sony set when I’m finished with the DG set for comparison.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@rvpiano,
I got into Mahler through the 1st symphony, then the 6th (which you know) then the 7th, Lied von die Erde last. I never warmed to the 4th.
I know Bernstein was supposed to be a great interpreter of Mahler, but I never cared for his renditions. I guess I was stuck on Bruno Walter- those CBS Masterwork recordings were discounted heavily in the old Barnes and Noble in Manhattan. $1.99, if I recall.
Just me, I suppose...
@twoleftears ,
I suggest listening to Pascal Roge's Saint Saens recordings. One of my favorite.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@jmpsmash,
Thanks for recommending Wranitsky. I never heard of him before your post.


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