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
If you want the greatest Handel Variations go for Arrau in the Phillips Brahms box or if you don't mind a poorer recording Julius Katchen who are vastly superior to Perahia.
As I write I have just discovered a blistering account on Idagio from Nikolay Tokarev from a Rhur Festival recording. Stirring stuff indeed but I still prefer Arrau, he just seems to get into it better especially the fugue his piano tone is unmatched by anyone.
Johannes Brahms

HANDEL VARIATIONS - RHAPSODIES - PIANO PIECES

Murray Perahia (piano)

Two Rhapsodies Op. 79
Murray Perahia (piano)
Sony Classics
Recorded  June 19-24, 2010  Funkhaus Berlin

Rhapsodie in B Minor, Op. 79, No. 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiwRuEwTpCA

Rhapsodie in G Minor, Op. 79, No. 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixFdBVSbYT4

Cheers
If you want the greatest Handel Variations go for Arrau in the Phillips Brahms box


Thanks, I will look for it.

Cheers
Johannes Brahms

HANDEL VARIATIONS - RHAPSODIES - PIANO PIECES

Murray Perahia (piano)

Six Piano Pieces Op. 118
Murray Perahia (piano)
Sony Classics
Recorded  June 19-24, 2010  Funkhaus Berlin

Intermezzo in A Minor, Op. 118, No. 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_QFFHqo7qE

Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118, No. 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y4Iz9Y47Xo

Ballade in G Minor, Op. 118, No. 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qlrYcZQoIs

Intermezzo in F Minor, Op. 118, No. 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XrHnKRcGxA

Romance in F Major, Op. 118, No. 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvXmwNwXHK0

Intermezzo in E-flat Minor, Op. 118, No. 6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gndLtJe9CqI

Cheers