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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
2,653 posts
 
For a truly ear opening experience, listen to Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique performed on original instruments from 1830, by Francois-Xavier Roth and his group Les Siècles. Of course this work was a true revolution in sound  when it was written, but not quite as magniloquent as when it’s played on modern instruments.
It really is instructive to hear it with the sonorities of the time in which it was written.  Not quite as bombastically fantastic as we usually hear it, but revolutionary and extraordinary nonetheless.

Its available on Idagio.
jim204
881 posts
 
@rvpiano       RV you might like to know that Roth has another great recording on Idagio at the moment, it's Richard Strauss -  Also Sprach Zarathustra this time with SWR Sinfonie Orchestra. He also plays a piece of Strauss that is so often overlooked Aus Italien. Both pieces deserve a listen.
recluse
270 posts
 
I may be a little late on this post but I have a small obsession with Rachmaninov’s symphonies and my favorite recording of his first is by Ashkenazy with the  Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. London. 1984. DDD411657-2
newbee
4,767 posts
 
recluse, One of the best versions IMHO. This and his recording of Symphonic Dances have been my favorites since they first came out (on Vinyl). 

Roxy, do you have the companion recording of some of his solo piano music, titled "Banjo". I think Eugene List nailed this music, really brings it to life like no others (of which I'm aware) . :-)
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,315 posts
 
The recent outpouring of enthusiasm for Rachmaninov inspired me to embark on a run-through of his work.  Listening now to symphony no. with Litton, which sounds good to me and seems to get good reviews.  Besides Ashkenazy, do you like anyone else?  Jansons?  Or?
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