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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
jim204
881 posts
 
@rvpiano  Thanks for the two that you like RV I shall find them and have a listen although I have always found their interpretations of other things by them to be a like it or leave it for me. It's a real shame now to hear Pogorelich and his new recordings ( dire ) .
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,693 posts
 
Yes, I agree about the late Pogorelich recordings.
I’m just now listening to his recording of the “Etudes” and find it it quite poetic.
And, at one time, he had tremendous technique.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,693 posts
 
On the same disc as Pletnev’s recording of Symphonic Etudes, is a magnificent performance of the Schumann Fantasy. Best I ever heard.
jcazador
417 posts
 
Jim
big surprise that you do not prefer Arrau!so many have recorded this piece, I listen
but could never choose
jim204
881 posts
 
Johnathan , I really do love Arrau in Schumann but the sound on some of the recordings are less than sensitive to his piano tone. The Etudes are wonderful other than the piano tone. It's a pity he was getting on a bit when digital recording technique's were just getting started because the Phillips recordings of him show a wondrous tone that a lot of his analogue recordings don't have and that is now why I am trying pianists in their prime with good technique and tone to match. Don't get me wrong though Arrau is still my all time favourite pianist , he could play anything. the most jaw dropping thing I ever heard from him was Islamey from 1928 I think, it was stupefying but the recording sucked. 
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