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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
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Welcome Learsfool,

Goody goody, some new music (to me) to look forward to exploring, i.e. Corigliano and Hindermith which I have never heard. 

Learsfool, I agree re Strauss - Baumann's version has always been enough for me. As for Brahms, while I have a bunch of them I always seem to go to a Delos recording titled 'A Brahms/Schumann Soiree', a program which I thoroughly enjoy.

My modest contribution, based solely on my enjoyment, is Gliere's Horn Concerto which I have on a Chandos CD.

Hope you stick around, I've always found you have much of value to contribute. 
craigl59
306 posts
 

Schubert and rvpiano:

Concerning Bernstein

Was a music student, then professor in the 60s-80s. At that time, Bernstein was #1 on the orchestral heap and each of his recordings was an event by itself. Listened to all of them when they first came out. At that time, it was fashionable to disparage anyone that popular and even though several of the recordings made an indelible impression, fell into that "anti-Bernstein" camp -- preferring, instead, the "more accurate" efforts of Boulez and the like.

Then, last year, purchased the Sony remastering of all the non-symphonic recordings. Was absolutely FLOORED at how good they are. His gift was to tell the story of the score -- to make very clear the musical message in simple and direct ways. He believed he was making the music appealing to the masses -- and I think he did so to a great degree.

What is further appealing about these recordings is how good his orchestra was (an army of generals) AND how much they clearly enjoyed playing these works. This enthusiasm comes through with boundless energy and excitement. Often I get new recordings that are essentially perfect as regards notes and interpretation but the orchestra sounds cautious and does not seem to be connecting directly with the listener. Bernstein was all about connection.

SO I agree with Schubert concerning histrionics but think that is secondary to the Bernstein legacy. Check out the remastered recordings, especially the early ones. Would like to hear from you two what you think of his orchestra. BTW, he is particularly successful with American composers, notably Ives, Copland, Gershwin, and Grofe. To my ears, a number of his recordings are the best ever made.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
938 posts
 
Totally agree with you that Bernstein’s histrionics never got in the way of his communication.  Indeed many feel that they were a MEANS to communication.
Critics thought they were phony — salesmanship.  But I believe they were an integral part of his ethos.  Much the same can be said of one of my idols: Glenn Gould.  A master intellectual musician as well as virtuoso technician, he was totally lost in his music. I used to feel Lang Lang was performing to the gallery with his mannerisms.  After seeing him live, I believe he is real as well.
Bernstein was one of the most influential musicians of his age.  Most of my friends worship him as an interpreter.  He created a whole generation of music lovers at a time when classical music was not on the fringes as it is today. 
He is sincerely missed.
craigl59
306 posts
 

rvpiano:

Lang Lang's 2013 recording of the Bartok 2nd proves your point. It also shows that Sony is recording well in the post-SACD world.

mceljo
983 posts
 
I currently have to CDs that I consider to be unbeatable for both music and recording quality.

(1) Ceremonial Music For Trumpet & Symphonic Organ - Michael Murray

(2) Neeme Järvi Conducts Saint-Saëns - Neeme Järvi

I think I can honestly say that I don't have any other CDs that match the recording quality of these two.  If you enjoy the music they cannot be topped.
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