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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
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,512 posts
 
To any who admire piano gymnastics, you have to hear Gyorgy Cziffra play.
Born in the ‘20’s and died in the 90’s, he is perhaps the purist technician I have heard. Whistle clean playing of even the most diabolical pianistic challenges, he amazes.
Idagio has a good collection of his playing.
jcazador
417 posts
 
and now it's
Martha Argerich and Lilya Zilberstein playing Rachmaninov
Suite No. 1 Op. 5 for two Pianos
Incredible.
This is CD 4 (of 6 CDs) from Martha Argerich Edition Solos and Duos
on EMI
Everyone wants to play with Martha!

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Antonio Bertali, "Sonate Festive", performed by Musica Fiata.

The usual smallish Baroque ensemble (violins, continuo, etc.) is supplemented here by trombones, bass trombone, and dulcian, and the range of sonorities on this disk is remarkable.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
A breathtakingly beautiful recording of various Bertali sonatas, superbly performed by a youngish US based early music ensemble, ACRONYM.
They were new to me, but no longer, and I have four more of their CDs in my sights.  BTW, the recording is excellent too.  As good as the previous recommendation was, this leaves it in the dust--and there is little overlap in the pieces recorded.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
I don't understand why music like Schmelzer's Sonatae unarum fidium isn't more popular.  I find it delightful and sometimes really exciting.  Especially in the hands of Andrew Manze and Romanesca.  Looking forward to comparing this recording with John Holloway's tomorrow.
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