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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

Showing 5 responses by pete23

pete23
39 posts
 
I just ordered that book a few days before finding this thread.It will probably take me quite a while to finish but I have that one and one on Brahms that a friend recommended on order.  I'm just a novice though even though I've listened to classical on and off for years.
pete23
39 posts
 
Is it my imagination or do newer release box sets seem to go out of print fairly soon? I've seen a few only a couple years old already gone from amazon except from high-priced resellers.  What do people use as a resource for upcoming releases? A long time ago I used to subscribe to BBC Music Magazine but I'm not sure what is best now.  Thanks for any advice. 

Bonus question: does anyone use a website or program to keep track of their collection? I used to use a program years ago that was discontinued but it was not very good at tracking classical if there were multiple composers and many compositions on the same disc.  So I am a few years behind in cataloging now.  Mainly looking to avoid acquiring too many duplicates of the same composition, unless a deliberate "upgrade".
pete23
39 posts
 
newbee, I will check the presto site. I did run across it recently so time to look further.
  1. So I picked up Schubert Impromptus Decca Brendel edition. Played disc 1 everyday on the way to work. I think I only have one other Schubert disc.
  2. Faure Piano Quintets Hyperion (used) I guess high-romantic? Not sure yet but sounds fine.
  3. Wranitzky- the one another poster suggested. I like it.
  4. Wood Works- Danish String Quartet I like this, nordic folk themes.
  5. Luigi Nono- La Lontanza nostalgica.. It might take a minute. Nice sound though.
  6. Danish String Quartet Beethoven, Shostakovich, Bach
  7. Phillip Glass Partitas for Solo Cello-from what I recall, I need to try it again. I honestly must have just gone by reviews on this I don’t have much Glass.
  8. Vivaldi --Concerto per violino VI ’La boemia’ - very nice, naive disc.

I am reading the Brahms book before I tackle the Bach.
Listened to the first two movements of Mahler’s 6th on the way to work yesterday, I guess I’ve had it forever. Is that considered a good showpiece or is there a better one? I mean for main system experience.


pete23
39 posts
 
I ran across Weinberg a couple years ago and I wondered if he is enjoyed now.  Apparently lost to Soviet history for a long time and friend but not student of Shostakovich (liner notes.)  I found the ECM disc with Kremerata Baltica/Gidon Kremer to be enjoyable.  This has Sonatas and Symphony #10 which I have to listen to again.
Meanwhile I did discover I have Mahler's First (Bernstein) so I will definitely listen this week.  I enjoyed the 6th as mentioned.  I thought I had the 9th but don't seem to find it.
pete23
39 posts
 
I found Mahler's 8th on a cassette earlier today, recorded from a CSO broadcast from sometime in the '90's.  Levine is conducting.  Not going to be a reference (tape is a bit off) but giving it a listen now anyway.  First movement finished and... it's a bit nuts isn't it? Now an interview with Levine, how nice.  I found a few other broadcasts I recorded so it should be fun going through them.

I've added Bruckner 7th to my exploration list, as well as Puccini’s" La Boheme" (I'm sure I've heard it before).  I'll check to see if I have any of Beethoven's trios.  Also, someone mentioned Leo Janacek so I'll add him too.
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