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 have to say I have not heard a bad recording of Olaffson yet, how I wish I could say that about a few others I could care to mention.
My first impressions of living with Idagio rather than Primephonic classical streaming...  

1. The selection ain't quite as luxuriously, mind-bogglingly complete as the late, lamented Primephonic but there's no doubt they've got excellent taste.

2. I have yet to encounter the streaming glitches that often made dialing up specific Primephonic selections more a role of the dice than a done deal.  

3. Through my system, sound quality can sometimes be slightly thicker and less-spacious than through Primephonic (or for that matter Qobuz), but it's always still enjoyable as heck. 

4. Idagio is extremely easy and intuitive to log into and navigate.

Anybody else share my impressions?
My second impressions of Idagio -- Yeah, I'm learning how to navigate it. There's a lot more repertoire to explore. It's just a bit hidden.
I was able to jack up the sound quality. Yeah, again the way to go about it is a bit hidden. Is it now quite to the level I got from Primephonic? I must continue to button push...
Idagio, When you get the best in Berlin highly unlikely there is any better.
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