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
"’Bach is a terminal point. Nothing comes
from him,,every thing merely leads up to him."

Albert Schweitzer

On my monthly run to Barnes and Noble for my Gramophone. I found an absolute treasure , ":Gramophone Presents J.S. Bach"

A 98 page book with small print that made much of it a 200 pager !
So much on everything Bach in the manner you would expect
from the British Classical Bible, very through, unreal so .

Can not even begin to say anything other than for a Bach lover the
$25 bucks USA is a gift .
Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov

CAPRICCIO ESPAGNOL

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
David Zinman
Roberta Alexander (soprano)
Philips   1982

Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol, Op.34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln0TXxiOlBg

Overture "May Night"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUssA8Y_GSg

The Snow Maiden - Suite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lANKe2J3sQ

Cheers

Rachmaninov, music for two pianos: Suite No. 1, Suite No. 2, Symphonic Dances (arranged).

Martha Argerich & Alexandre Rabinovitch.

Wow!  Alternatingly magical and sensational!

The best performance+recording I've heard in a while.
twoleftears,

Thanks so much for the recommendation
It’s just as you describe.
What  musicianship!

Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov

SCHEHERAZADE

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Fritz Reiner
RCA Living Stereo / BMG    SACD    1960 / 2005

Notes: "Deems Taylor once wrote that thrice-familiar staples of the concert repertoire should periodically be placed under a five-year moratorium, during which time their existence would be conveniently be forgotten.  The five-year ban elapsed,  one would presumably return to them with ears refreshed and musical appetite eager to relish them again.  There are those who argue that 'Scheherazade' merits a moratorium."

It seems to have obtained "warhorse" status.

Scheherazade, Op. 35:

I. The Sea and Sinbad's Ship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKOAvPxpDu0

II. The Story of the Kalender Prince
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx3keUuPGJ8

III. The Young Prince and the Young Princess
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRSllaa15DU

IV. Festival at Bagdad - The Sea - The Ship Breaks Against a Cliff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtZ-TlpqSnE

Cheers