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
The world nowadays is full of talented pianists but it is what they do with the notes rather than the velocity of them that interest me. What do I think of Christina Ortiz well she is a very clean pianist but she certainly is no Martha Argerich.
Now listening to Stephanie McCallum, Alkan & Magnard
I like it very much, very meditative
Had not heard Magnard before.
If anyone likes the music of Alkan I would recomment a disc by Olli Musstonen on Decca playing Akans 's 25 Preludes and Shostakovich's 24 Preludes. I love that recording.
Yes Jim
I share your love for that recording.
My favorite Alkan recording is by Laurent Martin, Esquisses, Op.63 (Sketches), Naxos 8.555496
Jim
Re: Shostakovich Preludes
So many wonderful recordings!
If I had to choose a favorite, it is Ashkenazy,24 Preludes and Fugues, op 87, Decca 466 956-2