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
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
Johannes Brahms

SONATA FOR PIANO NO. 3 IN F MINOR, OP. 5

Hélène Grimaud (Piano)
Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden, Netherlands
Denon 1991


I. Allegro maetoso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o81xzRjwMI

II. Andante espressivo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNHryDXNjZY

III. Scherzo: Allegro energico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6obAq2M7xls

IV. Intermezzo: Andante molto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8xCYlVhZpw

V. Finale: Allegro moderato ma rubato
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxk9G-j6Uyw

Cheers