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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.


rvpiano

Showing 7 responses by ei001h

ei001h
67 posts
 
Is anyone familiar with Daniil Trifonov's work? He's a Russian pianist who's quickly becoming a giant that may one day rival the likes of Gilels and Richter, imo. I stumbled upon him 6 years ago when he played Prokofiev's 3rd concerto in Lincoln center NYC. He's been on my radar since. He's got several world class recordings already, check out tidal and youtube.  My favorites: 

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto no. 1 
Rachmaninov concerto 2 and 4 with Gergiev (most recent recording)
Schubert Quintett Forellen, Trout
Chopin Evocations 

He's touring NJ, NC, VA, NY Carnegie hall this winter

Carnegie Hall NEW YORK, NY       Feb 9, 2019

BEETHOVEN: Andante in F Major, WoO 57 (“Andante favori”)
BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-flat major, op. 31, no. 3
SCHUMANN: Bunte Blätter, op. 99
SCHUMANN: Presto passionato, op. 22
PROKOFIEV: Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-flat major


ei001h
67 posts
 
rvpiano 
I completely agree, I found his playing uninspiring and rather dull. 
ei001h
67 posts
 
Has anyone heard Denis Matsuev? I personally think he's the best all around concert pianist currently in the world and has been for at least past 5 years. Just curious what others think. He's recorded most of the Russian piano masterpiece repertoire. I think his recordings are a perfect gateway into all major Russian masterpieces. Everything available on Tidal. Most impressive works: (all available on tidal with superb sound quality as versions of SACD)

Prokofiev piano concerto no 2, easily bests everything out there including Michel Beroff, Toradze, Horacio Gutierrez, Vladimir Krainev etc. Listen to that Cadenza in first movement, mesmerizing. 

Tchaikovsky piano Concerto 1 and 2. His second concerto is less well known and played, Matsuev kills it. 

Shostakovich piano concerto 1 and 2. Not very profound pieces, yet he squeezes everything he can out of them. 

Prokofiev PC no 3, right up there with all the best imo. 

Rach 2 and 3 excellent. Check out youtube versions. First movement cadenza at 10:10 is one of my favorites. Few versions on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRYSuGQfiqE&t=682s

thoughts? 
ei001h
67 posts
 
Having seizure like activity seems to be in style for a modern pianist.  Matsuev reminds me of Gilels in that sense, minimal upper body movement. I totally agree with jim about Mitsuko, quite distasteful. As for Khatia Buniatishvili, I don't think she's even in the same universe with Matsuev. All these young Russian women get on stage half naked and get praised for their "technique". How about Lola Astanova? Nearly a million views on youtube. Check out this talent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FdDLvED_4E


ei001h
67 posts
 
Maybe I need to take a closer listen. To which recordings are you referring  specifically ? 

What about Boris Giltburg? Just heard his Rach 3 on Tidal, very impressive tone. 
ei001h
67 posts
 
Just heard few pieces by Khatia and currently listening Pictures. I take back what I said, she's astounding. I was quick to judge based on her youtube appearance. 
ei001h
67 posts
 
Finally getting into Schubert. Stumbled on Krystian Zimerman CD on Tidal, Piano Sonatas 959 and 960. I can't get enough. Does anyone know any other pianist who is known for Schubert? Preferably high quality recording. 

Also, RVpiano, check out Khatia buniatishvili's new Schubert CD which is partially available on Tidal and Amazon. I'm totally mesmerized by her playing Standchen S. 560.  
Ständchen, S. 560 (Trans. from Schwanengesang No. 4, D. 957)
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