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.


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I recently purchased a 20 CD set of Rubinstein playing Chopin. I haven't been able to listen to all of it yet, but while it is obviously from old recordings so the SQ is not always of a top level, the playing is superb. I am always in the market for the best interpreters of my favorite - Chopin. I've seen Moravec mentioned several times.
Hard to fault your choice, this is excellent Chopin. However don't miss Moravec. IMHO its the best regardless of how you like your Chopin.

FWIW, in a modern recording its hard to beat Louis Lortie's Chopin on Chandos. These are my current  favorites, i.e. 'go to', recordings. Lest I lead you astray, I do prefer a more masculine style over a more romantic style. 
I have "The Chopin Collection" by Rubinstein, but it is 11 cds.  Wondering what I am missing?  It is on RCA label.There are so many great recordings of Chopin by so many great pianists that I cannot begin to name a favorite.
Cal91, I probably should have mentioned - re Moravec's Chopin, I started with his Nocturnes on an Electra Nonsuch disc(s) presently available of Amazon.  Outstanding and well worth the price.