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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
newbee
4,757 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
5,313 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?
jim204
881 posts
 
I love Mariss Jansen's  Rachmaninov especially the Symphonic Dances which he endows with gargantuan dynamic contrasts and to my mind lends itself to the work. He also seems to get the absolute best out of the many orchestras he conducts.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,517 posts
 
After living through so many years of denigration by music’s so called keepers of the art, Rachmaninoff’s time has finally come.  There was a time he was shunned as second class “pop” classical music.  Now, all genres of his music are performed regularly on stage and recording studios.
Ashkenazy is probably my favorite interpreter.   But there’s no lack of good performers of his work.  I particularly like Pletnev as both conductor and pianist. He is a true lover of Rachmaninoff. Historically, his colleague, Eugene Ormandy’s renditions are wonderful.  Also, Andre Previn.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,517 posts
 
Rachmaninoff’s genius was always  recognized in Russia.  That tradition can be heard in the work of many current Russian conductors and pianists. 
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