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looking for ideas on must have classical music

Hello classical devotees!

A friend had me rip quite a few of his CDs for his trip abroad. most were classical, and many were like 'best of' compilations. one or two were whole symphonies.

armed with these at least and no others I felt it time to wade into the classical waters and increase that genre in my library.

what then, are your fav, 3 or 4, go to, gotta have composers, movements, and or conductors out there on CD at least?

if also available in HD or otherwise, please point towards them as well, if you don't mind.

your input is sincerely appreciated and this input will initiate my list for current and future additions to the catalog, so again, thanks very much!!
blindjim

Showing 2 responses by cd318

cd318
2,636 posts
 
I can see why you ask as a list like this could be virtually endless. Add to to that all the different performances of the same pieces at different times and you realise this could make assembling a system seem like a doddle! It might be a good idea first to determine which instruments and sub genres of Classical you like best eg vocal, piano, harpsichord, guitar, quartets, symphonies etc.


However, having said all that, for my money two piano pieces stand out above the rest.


Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2.

All versions all good, how could they not be?

My favourites are the ones by Kissin and Ashkenazi.

https://youtu.be/l4zkc7KEvYM


Glenn Gould’s Goldberg Variations are also indispensable for me.

Both the 1955 first attempt and the 1981 slowed down version.

Even the reimagined Zenph 1955 recording is full of brilliance.

https://youtu.be/Ah392lnFHxM
cd318
2,636 posts
 
@ott, "Classical music consists in a vast array of sub-genres, and almost limitless modes of expression."

Yes that's easily forgotten when you want a similar Classical thrill to some hard rock or harmonic pop.

Speed/ tempo is probably the main criteria I use to categorise music. I don't really enjoy too much of a mix match when it comes to tempo because that doesn't help to create a particular mood. At least not for me.
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