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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Gioachino Rossini

ROSSINI: 7 OVERTURES

National Philharmonic Orchestra
Riccardo Chailly
Decca 1981

Notes: A brief overview of Rossini’s career and works. He apparently retired at age 37 with 39 opera to his credit, and devoted the remainder of his life to friends, food and drink.

Smart move.

Il barbiere di Siviglia: Overture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yelZwWpf6s

Rossini: L’italiana in Algeri - Overture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dirZLwSphY

La gazza ladra: Overture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZlWCPZSF-I

William Tell: Overture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuayt2HazNY

Cheers


Antonin Dvorak

"NEW WORLD": SYMPHONY NO.9 IN E MINOR

The Cleveland Orchestra
George Szell
CBS Records  1960

Surrounded by 'controversy'.  Always the case whenever Black folks are mentioned.

The Notes:  "I am satisfied that the music of this country must be founded upon what are called the Negro melodies.  These can be the foundation of a serious and original school of composition, to be developed in the United States.  When first I came here, I was impressed with this idea, and it has developed into a settled conviction.  These beautiful and varied themes are the product of the soil.  The are American.  They are the folksongs of America, and your composers must turn to them.  All the great musicians have borrowed from the songs of the common people."  --  Antonin Dvorak

And, 'turn to them' they did.  In Blues, Rock & Roll,  Jazz, Gospel, Spirituals and all other genres.

Symphony No. 9 "New World" 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHCFKu__zl4

Cheers
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

AMADEUS - SOUNDTRACK

Academy of St. Martin-In-The-Fields
Neville Marriner
Metronome 2CD Set

El cheapo packaging. No notes, no nothing. Just the track listings. Not even the date. The music deserves more, but it is still glorious! Maybe the most effective soundtrack ever.

Symphony No.25 In G Minor, K. 183, 1st Movement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNZGarhNKbA

Piano Concerto In E Flat, K. 482; 3rd Movement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNeuVVhy5iQ

Le Nozze Di Figaro Act 3 Ecoo La Marcia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t9EUvFSH1s

Le Nozze Di Figaro Act 4, Ah Tutti Contenti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EodlyMbd9A
don't you just hate it when they leave you hanging?

 Don Giovanni, K 527; Act 2, Commendatore Scene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9786j94XY4

Cheers