Audiophile Classical cds?


Looking to broaden my classical collection. I don't really know much other than I have tended to enjoy what gets termed 'warhorses' (Beethoven and Mahler's 9th, holst - the planets) and also the more serious chamber pieces.

Need some recommendations to get things rolling. Top notch sound is a must have as I have found that it really keeps me engaged. I'd like to get a set of 15 or so must have classical audiophile cds. Any Ideas?

Cheers, Nik
nikturner920

Showing 2 responses by sugarbrie

I'll just throw this out there for what it's worth...

I think you'll will find that a lot of serious classical music listeners are primarily concerned with the quality of the performance when choosing a recording.

The quality of the recording is secondary and for my money mostly irrelevant.

Now if a better quality disc is available, then fine. The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab vinyl LP's come to mind. A lot of the MFSL vinyl LP's were reissues of famous recorded performances, so they are worth collecting whether you are an audiophile or just a music lover.
If you are new to classical or not I highly recommend the Mahler and Beethoven CDs recorded by Benjamin Zander conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra of London.

Not only do you get a good sounding CD (Telarc) and an excellent performance, you get a second CD with Zander analysing the music in detail.

Many in the Mahler Society in New York consider Zander one of the best living Mahler conductors. (His Beethoven is also good.) Having hear Zander conduct for many years when I lived in Boston, I agree 100%. Zander teaches young gifted students at the New England Conservatory and has his own Boston Philharmonic that is more fun to listen to live than the Boston Symphony. He even speaks to corporate managements nationwide on inspiring people.

http://www.bostonphil.org/

http://www.benjaminzander.com/

Be sure to check out this two page Telarc brochure..

http://www.benjaminzander.com/newsletters/telarc2005.pdf

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