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
I don't remember any recording from the Czech's  that was not at least very good .Many are superb .
Listening to Louis Lortie's recording of the complete Chopin Etudes.

Some fine playing from a little-mentioned pianist.  And some of these Etudes, listened to again, sound distinctly more "modern" than what one normally associates with Chopin.
Schubert
Yes indeed, I have read that Russians who had political power preferred Czech pharmaceuticals, in the 60's this included birth control pills.
I don't know if this recording is availlable any longer but I have a boxed set of Ravel's complete works by, Louis Lortie and I used to love it but like all daft audiophiles I still bought other people playing it. Last night I played some ofit from my hard driveand although some play it with a little more magic I still recommend it if you want a cheaper complete set.
now listening to

Louis Lorte and Helene Mercier, Rachmaninov Piano Duets
superb!