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
I am a big fan of pianist Laurent Martin.
Just "discovered" his recording (with Claudine Simon) of Mel Bonis'
"Le Songe de Cleopatre"
I think Martin has recorded more Alkan than any other composer, so in my book that’s a feather in his cap. I noticed a Mompou disk that should be investigated. BTW, any strong Mompou recommendations?

On the strength of her Schubert recital, I got Buniatishvili’s Liszt disc. The lyrical passages are splendid; I wonder if the contrasts between the slow, delicate, pp passages, and the faster, boisterous ff passages are a bit overdone. Jury is still out on that one.
@twoleftears     The biggest Mompou plug I could give is Arkady Volodos , Stunning!!!
@twoleftears, there are 4 albums of Mompou playing his own music, on the Ensayo and Brilliant labels. Available on streaming (Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple).
 there are 4 albums of Mompou playing his own music, on the Ensayo and Brilliant labels. Available on streaming
Less refined playing than Volodos, but a more spontaneous direct and simple approach.... The 2 are the best possible....