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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 1 response by ttakacs

ttakacs
1 posts
 
You requested recommendations for high sound quality classical CDs. Here you go.

Beethoven 9: Sir Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic (issued 2016). If you can't buy the individual CD and don't want a digital download, go for  Osmo Vänskä's 9th with the Minnesota Orchestra, on the BIS label. 

Mahler 4th: Adam Fischer, Dusseldorf Symphony

Brahms 4th: Andris Nelsons, Boston Symphony Orchestra; or Riccardo Chailly,  Gewandhausorchester

Dvorak 9th ('From the New World'):  Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Houston Symphony

All of these are recent recordings (within the past 10 years). For quality of performances and sound quality, check the online reviews.
 
Hope this is helpful.

TimT

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