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
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So true, @schubert. For the most mind-blowing counterpoint you've ever heard, give a listen to JSB's Concerto For 4 Harpsichords And Orchestra. Don't listen while operating heavy machinery, as you WILL get high. 
I don't know if anyone shares my liking for 17C music composed largely prior to the likes of Corelli, Purcell, Telemann, Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, et al., but here's another excellent disc from an ensemble new to me: Ensemble Clematis, made up apparently of Spanish, Italian and French young players.  Carlo Farina, Capriccio stravagante & Sonata, is delightful.

Also, if you want to hear what an innovative violinist/composer was up to as to 1626, try the somewhat famous Capriccio stravagante--ear and eye opening.
I do ,all you mention and many more . People , most of all Americans  , think  things just progress as time goes bye , Not so. .
Try Handel's Airs , sinfonias and instrumental music with Andreas Scholl and the Berlin Akademie Fur Al Alte Musik . Stunning !
Try Josquin Desprez  on anything .