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          I have been a fan of Grimaud for anumber of years now, she has loads of stamina and a very good tecnique. a recording of hers I admire is Schuman's Sonata in A Minor for violin and piano.
Her partner on the recording is Gidon Kremer who I must admit is a hit and miss recording artist , bu I find his playing here very good without the harshness which on occasion do marr some of his recordings. His recordings with Martha Argerich are superb.

No secret, I am a fan of Brahms .Not just for his music but for the man his self . At one time or another I’ve read most of the books written on him in English and back in the day a few in German .I like to think I have some understanding of this very complex man.

I have run across a recent recording of his Piano Concerto No 1 .that I believe shows the music and the man played as fine as I have heard .
 

Lars Vogt/Royal Northern Sinfonia Ondine ODE1330-2
I could go on and on but one word will do, sensational !
P.S . Also perfect renditions of Four Ballades ,Op 10
Just discovered an extraordinary young pianist on Idagio named Eric Yu.
it’s not his technique that’s impressive, but his musicianship.  Listen to his new album of Chopin preludes.  He’s been compared to Perahia and Lupu.
I agree.