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
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
12,961 posts
 
For the last weeks I listen to the Bach trio sonatas at the organ with Helmuth Walcha, by far the more spiritual interpretation of Bach, with the likes of cellist Fournier, violinist Henryk Szeryng and few others...

When I compare with Hurford, a good organist by all standard, I am way less moved... It is like the blind master summon his prolific god behind his hands.... My best...
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,317 posts
 
Sudbin came up in the context of good recorded piano sound (BIS, SACD).

Here's another recording whose piano sound I'm enjoying, the acoustic is different, there's a bit more resonance, but it does sound very much like a piano in a room.

Paul Lewis: 2 CD set of Schubert: Sonatas D. 840, 850, 894, plus Impromptus D. 899 and Klavierstucke D. 946.

See what you think if it's available streaming somewhere.   The playing seems somehow more "human" to me than some Schubert recitals I've heard.
jim204
881 posts
 
You guys who have access to Idagio there is a lovely concert with the Vienna Phil. and Gergiev conducting exclusive to Idagio . It's Tchaikovsky's Lovely 1st Symphony "Winter Daydreams" and Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherezade in a lovely interpretation by Gergiev.
@twoleftears    You are right about Paul Lewis I have been watching him for a number of years and I like your comment aout the playing being more human and I think that is because Alfred Brendel had a hand in finishing off his musical education. If it is of any interest he also has some really nice Haydn Piano sonatas available also.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I have heard many people play Schubert and  Brendel is the
one I can imagine most at home playing a duo with Schubert himself .
jim204
881 posts
 
Yes Len you are so right ,I have seen Brendel live many times and although not a natural virtuoso he had a wonderful way with Schubert. I remember one concert he played the last three sonatas and I have never heard them played better by anyone although I do still have a soft spot for Volodos.
More to discover