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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
mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 
I like the O’Conor Beethoven sonatas, too. I also like a newer set by András Schiff on ECM. It’s been a while since I listened to them, but as I recall, the sound is typical ECM (slightly more beautiful than reality), and the performances reasonably energetic but not heart-on-sleeve. I would recommend anyone interested in this music give that set try -- it should be easy via Tidal, Qobuz, or even YouTube to see if you like them.
P.S. Jed Distler said this, on Classics Today: " In sum, Schiff’s Beethoven interpretations may not suit all tastes, yet they invariably hold your attention, challenge your assumptions, and compel you to listen with fresh ears."
jcazador
417 posts
 
jim
I have the 1998 Philips set of Arrau Beethoven, which includes the Sonatas and the 5 piano concertos, as well as some other Beethoven, including Szeryng, and Starker on the triple concerto (14 cd)  It says it was recorded from 1962-66, 68, 70, & 85.
"24 bit analogue to digital conversion"
I also have an 11 cd collection with the sonatas and variations,
also Philips (1991).
I think these are the same performances in different packages.
If I comprehend what you are saying, you have an analogue set.And these are different performances?  Or the same performances in original analogue state?

jcazador
417 posts
 
jim
Also have a 2 cd recording of Schwetziner Festival recital where Arrau plays 3 Beethoven sonatas, + rondos + some Brahms. 
It says recordings were made in 1963 and 1973.

 "hanssler classic"
jcazador
417 posts
 
have you seen Claudio Arrau, The Maestro and the Masters
A film by Peter Rosen (1988)?
Martin Bookspan narrator,
filmed in Santiago, Chile
includes:
Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10 No. 3
Schubert
3 Klavierstucke, D. 946
No. 1 in E-flat minor
Chopin
Ballade No. 3 in A flat major, Op. 47
Liszt
Les Annees De Pelerinage, Seconde Annee: Italie, S. 161
Sonetto 104 del Petrarca
Debussy
L’isle joyeuse
Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58*
jcazador
417 posts
 
have you read?
Piano Lessons with Claudio Arrau: A Guide to His Philosophy and Techniques by Victoria A. von Arx

https://www.amazon.com/Piano-Lessons-Claudio-Arrau-Philosophy/dp/0199924341
More to discover