I can only say that over decades I have never heard Chopin played as wonderful as the early Pollini on EMI .
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.
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.
Showing 50 responses by schubert
Jim, I saw your Bag Pipe advice and right you are . I’m caught between being an old squatty and hating war . Well , the 51st HD was the best example of Scottish cannon fodder in English Military History in both WW1 and WW II and this IS Classical Music . https://youtu.be/_MBeVU4_oPI As you said sometimes you are never the same . |
As we go into Christmas I would like to play what I consider one of the greatest Carols of modern time that is underplayed as are many pieces by this great composer . It's not easy to sing but the American choir does so very well . https://youtu.be/SE0aIQp9V4s?t=3 |
Jim , I had the sad duty of disposing of the stuff nobody wanted of a good friend of mine who passed lately . Came upon several LP's of a Scot I had totally forgotten , one Harry Lauder .Was he corny , aye .Did he fill me with joy bringing memories back of the old folks on Saturday night , aye . Scotland Forever . |
My Grand mother in particular ,She was 15 when her mother dragged her kicking and screaming , to the US after her dad took the low road in WW II . Always kept her British passport and refused American citizenship .I can hear her now " I was born British and I’ll die British " ! Hope and pray the SNP will prevail . Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year . |
I don’t think " The Lark Ascending" has any problems , Its simply one of the most beautiful pieces ever written . I never tire of it and have heard it a thousand times . People do hear things differently .I think Wagner is total garbage , few would agree on that . I totally agree with Jim on BIS . They are by far the best firm for Classical recording . |
One of the best American choirs singing one of the best Scottish songs . Sublime ! https://youtu.be/9PTZG2cHM5g?t=2 (Vaughan Williams Arr.) |
The Russians always say it takes a Russian to play Russian music . After hearing this small but great masterpiece of Rachmaninoff I am inclined to agree . https://youtu.be/XfDreatXYeU |
No, I haven’t heard him on either Sibelius Jim. Will get after him on that and LvB . Been on a Part , Byrd and Du Fay binge lately . I've always liked Part , but never knew he had a piece with a Scottish tinge . Takes a few listens to get it IMO . https://youtu.be/x3Y77YHGakQ?t=3 |
A great case for "less is more" from the most popular classical composer alive .Spiegel It may sound easy but it is very difficult to play . https://youtu.be/FZe3mXlnfNc?t=4 |
Just my opinion rv, but this is one of the the best recordings of the Master I know about . https://youtu.be/CCVnO6tbYEM?t=4 |
rv, not exactly classical but whats you take on the little lady on the machine gun , aaah piano ? https://youtu.be/1rxYw7Y45Eo?t=3 |
Great piece twoleftears . I’ll watch for Tabakova ! IMO what you hear is the depth of the Orthodox Church, the oldest branch of Christianity .(no, Rome is not) I’m Anglican myself but have been to many Orthodox services . I can honestly say that if you haven’t been to a four hour ,standing up, Orthodox Easter Service you haven’t been to Church . Were I younger I would be Orthodox . Here is what she would have heard as does Part .. https://youtu.be/o81A31hlgEA?t=2 |
She is usually stuck in as a jazz player . IMO she is beyond genre and is just a very creative musician of the highest order. She writes much of her stuff and doesn’t have a phony bone in her body . Check her on this ! https://youtu.be/rCp3qGzkxig?t=3 |
I have seen significant young classical fans in an audience in only two places , Tokyo and Budapest . In Hungary were at least half the audience . We have two world-class symphonies here in Twin Cities , average age at concerts is well over 70 .Seats are full but that is drawing from a population of 4 million . |
One of the greatest horn players of our time has passed at age 88 . https://youtu.be/A0zCDa_T1g4?list=RDEMAqymqupoiSMGKg3TJGFgTg https://youtu.be/QWZaHMTwlbI?t=5 |
Jim , all you hear in US is former Prince Harry soap opera , do Scots care that much that The Queen bared he fangs ? Both countries are similar IMO because all spins around the City and/or Wall Street . The circus keeps the poor folk occupied . Hope he can get by in Canada ( a good country) on his 50 million pounds pittance . |
Thanks Jim . I think no country should have one . To me it's it's a way to keep the masses from ever really growing up . The things I've seen Charles in lead me to the same conclusion as yourself .I flew on a KLM jumbo from Chicago to Amsterdam few years back .The pilot was the King of the Netherlands . That's a real job ! |
A beautiful rendition of a Quartet that I had forgotten how beautiful it is . https://youtu.be/Nuu1Ak9G6fQ?t=8 |
Jim . Did a little Plane spotting today because of European storm. Giant USAF C-17 transport coming into Preswick looked like a rock dancer, and USAF only uses pilots on those monsters with mucho miles in their log book. At my usual target , Amsterdam Schiphol, which is always windy , commercial liners were taking a dozen or more go-arounds to get them down . I was scared watching them ! I would estimate gusts from 80 to 100 miles . To top it off a BA flight rode the storm jet- wind and set an all time record from JFK to Heathrow , less than 5 hours . Is your house OK ? |
rv , no matter where you go with Bach you end up on top. My respect for you is great , we all have our reasons for what we are and are not . You can call me whatever you want to . If Churches have anything to to do with you not being religious I can understand that . But I try to remember they are Hospitals for the sick not Temples for Saints . Jim, you have written many good things on here but have topped yourself this day . I feel and do exactly what you do and say. I start nearly every morning with a Bach Cantata , yes for the beauty and for my love of the German language , but also what for St . Augustine said to Luther who said it to Bach . "A Hymn well sung is a Prayer said twice ". If I do get to Heaven , I am going to ask Jesus for a seat near you !If we pass on the same day, I ’l say " I’m with him". Albain gu brath |