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
I have 3 different publications of the same Petrouchka recording by Pollini.
The original DG, the 13 cd compilation, and the Great Pianists of 20th Century.
I also have Gilels' recording, which is magnificent.
And Weissenberg.
And Marcelle Meyer.
All these recordings are wonderful.
True rv , you could argue as to whether  Hewitt or Gould is the best player
ever to come out of  Canada , but no doubt she is the greatest living one .
She will be at 92nd Y on May 14h .
jim and jcazador

Take a listen 3 movements of Petrushka by Khatia Buniatishvili new CD Kalkeidoscope. Not many pianists attempt this piece. Pollini was the first version I heard and in my mind is the reference. But I was also moved by Khatias playing. She has an interesting interpretation of Pictures at an Exhibition here as well. Anyone know other notable recordings of petrushka? 
I believe that Buniatishvili, as she matures and gains more control, has the makings of a great pianist. Very imaginative and expressive with a truly explosive technique.
ei001h, "...other notables", you might like Louis Lorties' version of Petrushka on a Chandos CD, which includes an excellent 'LaValse'.  I have not heard Buniatishvili's version, but IMHO Lorties' version is in the  'Pollini class'. But then I really do like Lorties' work in general, and particularly in Chopin and Liszt. YMMV.