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 forgot this rendition of the " Rhapsody for alto" of Brahms by Marian Anderson, which is with Kathleen Ferrier the goddesses of song...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w35B8hK5Y4
At this moment I am listening to Quarteto Casals playing the Beethoven string Quartets Op.18. on Quobuz and what a treat they are .You know you are in the presence of a supreme master even with these quartets . This group are superb , they match each other in virtuosity of ensemble playing and their tone is beautifully matched to each other. 
The recording is by Harmonia Mundi and I don't think I have heard better from any other recording company , I urge you to give it a try.  

To my friends ,Len, RV and Maghister, have a great Christmas Holliday and keep clear of that horrible bug.

"Lang may yer lum reek"  an old Scots saying , Long life to you.

and Len, Don't let the bu**ers get you down.  Jim.  
One my way to Amazon for the HM cut Jim.
IMO The greatest for the last are the American Yale Qt.But very hard to find . I have the original Vinyl and if I could only keep one LP it would be it .Seen the Vinyl going for over $500!I’ll see if I can find one ,try in UK, if I find one here I’ll send it to Scotia .
The first are as good as the last, just in a different way .

Gabh mo liesgeul
The channel classics Mozart piano concerto series has been immensely satisfying for many many years. great sound and music. fwiw