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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
THE LATE STRING QUARTETS
Takacs Quartet
Decca  2003 - 2004
3CD set   with booklet

From the notes:
The quartet was formed in 1975 in Budapest and since 1983 has been  in residence at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

"Beethoven's series of late string quartets formed his main creative preoccupation during the final years of his life.  To many listeners these five works contain the most profoundly personal and spiritual music he ever wrote." -- Misha Donat

Just a Sample:

String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127 - Scherzo: vivace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyxiKYEhEEs

String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131 - 5. Presto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA5_j2QCVIA

Cheers


rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Mozart
CONCERTOS FOR 2 & 3 PIANOS
Katia & Marielle Labeque  (piano)
Berliner  Philharmoniker  --  Semyon Bychkov
Philips Classics  1989

Notes: Excellent booklet with a nice picture of the sisters.  "The concerto in F for three pianos was written for Countess Antonia Lodron, the sister of Mozart's unloved employer..."

Piano Concerto No.7 In F Major, K. 242 - "Lodron" -  Allegro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INiwh_bfI8c

Piano Concerto No.7 In F Major, K. 242 - "Lodron" -  Adagio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeBVtHMEweM

Mozart: Piano Concerto No.7 In F Major, K. 242 - "Lodron" -  Rondeau (Tempo di menuetto)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9ebTPwYVdY

Pray, they will avoid the wrath of The Frogman this time around.

Cheers
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,654 posts
 
Just watching the  “Horowitz in Vienna” video and it occurred to me that this man is akin to one of the great treasures in the world of art: the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Taj Mahal, Donatello’s David, etc.  Though a re-creator, the rarity of his genius is no less an accomplishment than that of actual creators.  To touch the heart and soul as he did is parallel.
Playing Viennese music in a Vienna concert hall was an elemental force to the listeners there. 
Such superability comes to this earthly terrain not often.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,654 posts
 
Here is the link
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Nz26IpXtIT4&feature=share
simonmoon's avatar
simonmoon
515 posts
 
Starting a few years ago, I pretty much lost all my interest in classical music from the common practice eras (1600-1900). I was not exactly happy about the situation, since a large part of my music collection has been sitting dormant since then.

I listen to more classical music than I ever have, but most of it is from the mid 20th century until the present era. As well as, Bartok, Stravinsky, Barber, Britton, and the 2nd Viennese school.

So, since my tastes lean toward the 'thorny', YMMV...

This LP on the Varese Sarabande label, has a huge, well defined soundstage, and great imaging. 

Ernst Krenek - Static and Ecstatic

Performed by the LA Chamber Orchestra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIwJGEOS6mY


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