Recommendations for a few high SQ classical CDs


I have a modest collection of classical music CDs, most of it symphonic works, maybe 20-30 CDs at most. Most of my musical interest is with rock, roots rock and blues but I do enjoy classical music but have limited knowledge and experience.

I am also a new audiophile with my first hifi system for about a month now.

I would like some specific recommendations on just a few symphonies (for now). What I am looking for at this point is good CD recordings rather than the nature of the performance/conductor/orchestra. In other words, I'm looking for SQ first and performance quality second. I know that might sound backwards but I don't have enough knowledge to have a major preference between performances but I can hear SQ. Certainly a great recording of a great performance is ideal.

To keep things limited I am specifically interested in these works:

Beethoven's 9th
Mahler's 4th
Dvorak's 4th
Brahm's 4th

Certainly open to other symphonies by these composers. I have the works listed above and other symphonies by them as well.

Thanks for any recommendations,

George


n80

Showing 2 responses by skoczylas

Nice to have a post on music.

For classical I would stay away from fancy formats and stick with great performances that are well recorded.

For the 9th I really like Solti conducting the Chicago symphony. I grew up thinking Berlin and Bernstein were the best. Now I’m very partial to Chicago. Lots of energy and the brass section is outstanding. 

Another tip I can give is to consider anything on the Naxos label. Great music great performances and very good sound quality overall. Can’t go wrong. 

Happy listening. 

+1 lowrider. Deutche Grammophone  is one of the offenders I was referring to when advising to stay away from the fancy formats. Such great names and lots of techno involved but the result is totally flat.

To bring together a few recommendations - the San Francisco SO does a great Copeland as well, lots of air nice brass and good clean sound with depth.

+1 bdp24 on baroque music. I was a romantic snob but finally came around to the older music and find it totally beguiling. One example - Handels Tamerlane opera. Who knew? Not me until recently.

Enjoy