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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
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Beethoven
EROICA - VARIATIONEN
Bruno Leonardo Gelber (piano)
Orfeo Label     Recorded 1984

In the notes, they talk about and use the word 'improvisations' a lot.  Maybe this should have been posted on JFA.  Seems like here, the improvisations are done by the composer, not the player.

15 Variations & Fugue in E-Flat Major, Op. 35 "Eroica"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMt8IgOMjMc

Another one from the dawn of the CD age.  Made in West Germany   DM35.80

Cheers

rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Beethoven
SYMPHONY NO.7 IN A MAJOR, OP.92
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Manfred Honeck, Music director
Reference Recordings SACD     Recorded 2015

From the Notes: "Critics did not comment on the poetic melodies, but rather on the rhythm as the main element of this symphony.  Richard Wagner would later famously refer to the Seventh as "the apotheosis of the dance" and Carl Maria von Weber even remarked that with this work, Beethoven was certainly "now ripe for the madhouse."

also

As Beethoven wrote in his diary,... there were 18 first violins, 18 second violins, 14 violas, 12 cellos, 7 concert basses and 2 contra bassoons.  We have likewise played both the fifth and the seventh symphonies in Pittsburgh with a similarly large cast. ... Additionally, we have used the Viennese classical setting of the orchestra, with the violins sitting on opposite sides of the stage, thus making it possible to bring to life the strong Orchestral drama.  --  Manfred Honeck

I think they succeeded.

Allegro con brio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPzR6kaRsAc

Cheers


rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Beethoven
PIANO CONCERTO No. 5
Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
Mahler Chamber Orchestra - Andsnes
Sony 2014

Notes:  Talk about the events happening during the time this music was written.  Esp Napoleon's rampage across Europe.  Tells the story of Beethoven seeking shelter in his brother's basement when Vienna came under fire from Napoleon's cannon.  Beethoven pressing pillows to his head in an effort to protect his sensitive ears.  "If I understood as much about the art of war as I do about the art of music," he is reported to have exclaimed,"I would have defeated him!"

Of that, there is no doubt.

piano concerto no. 5 in e-flat major, op. 73 "emperor": I. allegro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE7RSyCfMyU

Cheers

rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Beethoven
PIANO TRIOS VOL. 1
Ashkenazy, Perlman, Harrell
EMI   1979-1984    2CD set.

Notes:  Standard fare.  No good gossip.  Synopsis of each Trio.  Does point out that Haydn thought this trio, in C minor, was too 'advanced' for a Viennese public; most musicians would now consider it the finest of the set. -- Andrew Huth

Well, it's not too advanced for us Aficionados!!  :)

Piano Trio No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: I. Allegro con brio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dvBJKlA_94

Cheers
jim204
881 posts
 
@rvpiano     RV just to let you know I have listened to the recording of 
Pablo Fernandez cello recording. Rachmaninov's music never sounded better than on the cello as he had a great affinity with it . Yes all in all a great recording to while away the hours , literally. You are so right about the tone Ravishing it is.
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