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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
2,663 posts
 
Schubert,

Just listening to Olafssohn’s French album.
Really attractive playing.  He uses very little pedal in Debussy, helping highlight the similarities between the two composers.
Very fine pianist.  I like his playing here more than his Bach.
jim204
881 posts
 
@schubert  Len I'm glad you like our Icelander, I think he is super but I hope he doesn't give us any more Glass ( absolute tripe from me ).
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
I know this will come as no surprise, but the Segerstam Sibelius 3 & 5 is also excellent. Listening to it now... In the last movement of the 5th when that low brass figure comes in over the strings, it always gives me the shivers...
jcazador
417 posts
 
Re: Babayan, Racmaninoff
Just got to say that "Lilacs" is the most beautiful piece I have ever heard.And it sounds a lot like "Here comes the sun", only slower and prettier.

Re: French composers
Yes indeed, love Rameau, love DebussyBut the French composer I listen to most often is Mompou, and my favorite recording is 3cds by the composer himself.
melm
1,082 posts
 
For Rameau you might want to try the disk:

Une Symphonie Imaginaire conducted by Minkowski
More to discover