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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
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

No love for Bernstein?

For a real contrast, you can hear Gershwin himself playing it on "The Essential George Gershwin".

newbee
4,775 posts
 
I enjoy Michael Tilson Thomas's version with the LA Phil. Reminds me more of the sound of music as it was played in the 20's. That aside, I really enjoy Litton's with the Bergen Phil. Recording quality is excellent and the sound is more forward than some of the others, alive and dramatic. 

Of (some of) the others I have, and briefly listened to, I like Bernstein's with the NY Phil, Previn's with the LSO (not the PSO, for acoustic reasons). Much as I like Earl Wild I didn't care for the recording with Feidler. 

I'd be happy with just the first two, but I would include Litton's version with the Dallas SO where he plays and conducts (as does Thomas). I just like  this program a lot. 
jcazador
417 posts
 
Idil Biret
Listening to her Schubert/Liszt transcriptions, so beautiful.
I am not a fan of leider (or opera) so really appreciate these "naked" melodies.
It is on a 9cd compilation that Biret did for the 200th anniversary of Liszt.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@jim204  @twoleftears  @newbee   Thank you very much. I'm excited and looking forward to listening to all of your recommendations.
jim204
881 posts
 
Jeremy I too like The Biret Schubert/Liszt transcriptions but have to say I love the Jorge Bollet ones even more ,he injects an old world charm to them but make no mistake he could always keep up with the big boys as his Earl King will testify.
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