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Suggestions For Classical & Symphonic CDs

I’m not interested in opera and I have not developed enough of an appreciation for classical music to understand the different multi-movement structures and related musical forms of the genre. I’m not even sure if music performed by a symphony is necessarily classical. I do know that I like the grand movements of a full symphony with all the varying dynamics and passages. I can’t site any specific samples because of my naiveté with classical music. I do appreciate a solo violin, and I especially like passages involving all of the strings (violins, viola, cello and bass). I have acquired some fuller-range speakers and I would like to listen to some “full-range” string movements/symphonic movements). I have also been listening to music at a much lower volume lately – I listened to the Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions last night, in the dark with the volume at a very moderate level (as not to disturb my sleeping cherubs). It was a wonderful experience. I think I would really appreciate duplicating this listening experience with the type of music mentioned above. I do not have an SACD player and I am only interested in the very best of Red Book (production value).

Thank you.
Ben
2chnlben
jhold
116 posts
 
If you especially like massed strings, try:

Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings
Dvorak's Serenade for Strings
Richard Strauss, Metamorphosen

Also, Wagner's Siegfried Idyll for small orchestra.

Many good recordings of the above are available.

And here's a tip for a gorgeous collection on the budget label, Naxos, beautifully performed and well-recorded, and perfect for the late-night session alternative to Cowboy Junkies: "Swedish Orchestral Favorites Vol. 2," CD # 8.553715. Do yourself a favor and order it immediately -- if I'm wrong (and I don't think I am), you're only out a few bucks.
jhold
116 posts
 
A further thought after my previous post -- for that late-night listening session, you should move beyond orchestral to chamber works. If you're feeling adventurous, try a CD by Arvo Part called "Alina" (on the ECM label) -- it takes you through sound to a place of stillness beyond sound. Simply beautiful and beautifully simple.
2chnlben OP
595 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I have always appreciated certain types of orchestral music. I love a hauntingly beautiful violin solo - something so beautiful and touching that it truly moves you. I'm not sure a can get into a lot of brass. There's a DVD titled, Music For Montserrat, in which Mark Knopfler performs the song, “Brothers in Arms,” with a full orchestra. While Mr. Knopfler’s performance is not all that great, the orchestral passages are excellent. I’ll put this DVD on just to hear those orchestral movements. More suggestions appreciated.

Thank you.
jhold
116 posts
 
A hauntingly beautiful violin solo -- try "The Lark Ascending" by Ralph Vaughan Williams. It's available on a great CD with other gorgeous Vaughan Williams works for strings, including the Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, and the Fantasia on Greensleeves. With Neville Marriner conducting the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Order it now -- your life is poorer without it.
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sufentanil
782 posts
 
I second Dvorak's 9th. My favorite recording is with the full collection of Dvorak's symphonies (Dvorak: The Symphonies) with Istvan Kertesz and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Also, try Brahms 3rd and 4th. Consider the set with Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Brahms' double concerto is a must for string lovers (try the one with Oistrakh, Rostropovich, and Richter with Beethoven's triple concerto).

And don't forget Mendelssohn's string symphonies, as well as Dvorak's string symphonies.

There is LOTS of great classical music out there. Give some of these a shot and try listening to classical radio, either on FM, the Internet, or your cable provider, as these give you more of an exposure to music you might not otherwise hear.

Good luck!

Michael
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