2. music
  3. 132810-89202

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
2,682 posts
 
Jim204,

I listened to Mariam’s Liszt Benediction, and find it quite beautiful.
Maybe she’s the one to turn me around about Liszt.
jcazador
417 posts
 
Chopin/Godowsky/Bolet
now listening to Bolet playing Godowsky's arrangement of Chopin Etudes
wonderful
I have listened to others play this (eg Hamelin) but vastly prefer this recording by Bolet
It is included in the 55 cd compilation "Decca Sound - The Piano Edition"
The recordings that I have by Godowsky himself are not as satisfying technically
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,682 posts
 
Mariam plays a kinder and gentler List.  Evidently the album showcased by Idagio  is inspired by Chopin.  Not as shallowly bombastic as the Liszt I’ve grown to dislike.
jcazador
417 posts
 
rvpiano
re Liszt
I am not into the "crash and bang" side of classical music, including some of Liszt.  But Liszt wrote some of the most beautiful peaceful music ever.

suggestions:

Barenboim, Notturni - Consolations - Sonetti de Petrarca
https://www.amazon.com/Liszt-Consolations-Petrarca-Rigoletto-Paraphrase/dp/B000V6Q7SC

Nelson Freire, Franz Liszt 1811-1886Harmonies du soir, S 139/11
decca 478 2728

Leslie Howard, Harmonies poetiques et religiieuses
on hyperion

Barenboin, On My New Piano includes Harmonies P&R
on DG



rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,682 posts
 
Jcazador,

I must admit, even as a pianist, I’ve given Liszt a wide berth.  Aside from the Mephisto Waltz, which I performed as a concession to audiences but disliked, i played almost no Liszt.  
I am listening to some of your suggestions and finding some gems.
Thank you.
More to discover