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 was just sampling a few youtube videos of Yuja Wang.  She undoubtedly has bionically fast fingers and hands, but I wasn't sensing much artistry.  What are your impressions?
Not a 'go to' artist for me, but she sure is first class eye candy! And a good performer as well. 
Her concerts are usually sold out.  Bionic fingers, indeed.
 Volodos-like.  Good musician.  But not the great artistry yet.
Wang certainly has a stunning technique but like Trifoniov and Buniatishvhilli they need to get into their third decade and beyond to gain some musicality, only then will they be unbeatable.  
One of my favorite violonist of all time is Arthur Grumiaux...

I am drugged by his tone and light...

When you listen to him you dont hear a virtuoso at all....

You see colors....And colors sings....

I cannot even recommend one album , perhaps Bach violin concertos the best ever....Or anything by this illuminated master....

Superlative artistry beyond most....


Try Mozart and dont listen to the sound look for the colors and light:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjrM9l4AsXE

Same light with different colors here in Handel:

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