For those that like classical music, and even those that don't

provny · « **Reply #20 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 01:32 am »

Janos Starker: Bach's Suites For Unaccompanied Cello -- absolutely great!

Glenn Gould's "A Sense OF Wonder"-- the complete Bach's Goldberg Variations 1955 & 1981 -- super solo piano

Prokofiev's Scythian Suites-- I read about this in the book The Vinyl Junkie-- it was described as being very "rock 'n roll"-- I bought a copy and-- indeed it is-- the copy I have is great-- don't remember who performs it though-- it's on a re-issue record (Mercury?)

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #21 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 03:59 am »

Quote from: BrianM on 22 Apr 2008, 04:14 pm

For the record, the CD recommended in the original post would probably not be categorized under "classical music" as the genre is normally (roughly) understood. It sounds like a cool disc, but I doubt you'd find it at the Classical section of Tower Records. If Tower Records still existed, that is.

Note: this is not intended to start a debate about what "classical music" is.

Brian....You are correct...Tower has it as International..(Tower is still around...but only on the WWW).

It got reviewed on All About Jazz...

And at Amazon......you can hear it...

(The Amazon buyer that reviewed it (one review)...he called it classical...he was mistaken).

Since low.pfile posted asking about Classical....everyone's posts now went in that direction.....so....we talk Classical now...rock on....

2gumby2 · « **Reply #22 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 10:08 am »

It sounded like classical to me and it was songs for cello. Therefore, I thought it was classical music. Oh well.

Thebiker · « **Reply #23 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 01:33 pm »

Another Reference Recordings recommendation:
Rachmaninoff: "Symphonic Dances" Enji Oue/Minnesota Orchestra

Incredible dynamics as well as great music. This is one of RR many Grammy nominated recordings and deservedly so.

goldlizsts · « **Reply #24 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 01:36 pm »

Quote from: 2gumby2 on 23 Apr 2008, 10:08 am

It sounded like classical to me and it was songs for cello. Therefore, I thought it was classical music. Oh well.

At least the guy was classically trained!

carusoracer · « **Reply #25 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 02:49 pm »

Quote from: Thebiker on 23 Apr 2008, 01:33 pm

Another Reference Recordings recommendation:
Rachmaninoff: "Symphonic Dances" Enji Oue/Minnesota Orchestra

Incredible dynamics as well as great music. This is one of RR many Grammy nominated recordings and deservedly so.

I agree, very dynamic recording. RR is one awesome label.

woodsyi · « **Reply #26 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 03:05 pm »

Quote from: TONEPUB on 22 Apr 2008, 07:07 am

Sir Arnold Bax, the symponies.

Dark, powerful and creepy...

Sounds like the monster is going to come out of the
closet and strangle you at any moment!

Sounds great really loud!

No. 2 in particular.

Listen to the 3rd movement here.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000J8D7?tag=wwwnaxoscom-20

Alan · « **Reply #27 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 04:22 pm »

Quote from: JeffB on 22 Apr 2008, 11:18 pm

My main listening is to Heavy Metal, all genres from hair metal to death metal.
The classical that I like has to have some element to it that kind of reminds me of metal.
Fast piano, fast violen, dark/evil sounding is what works for me.

Coming from this background, try some Schnittke:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=487594W0dq4&feature=related
(Sound quality is terrible, but a great piece of music.)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7mB-DcIgoiQ

Or maybe Scelsi
http://youtube.com/watch?v=j31zpvdmcYk
The title of this is "Uaxuctum."

JoshK · « **Reply #28 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 04:30 pm »

This is a great thread!

There is a lot of classical music out there and so many different performances of each it becomes daunting for the uninformed. I have dabbled in a lot of different areas, some mentioned. I have found it to be kinda hit and miss. I really need to take notes on what I like and dislike so I can describe to others what I like.

The Symphonic Dances by RR I really like. In fact I like most of the RR I've tried.
I like the Beethoven recordings I have, and I have a few. They were for my wife, but I enjoy them on occasion.
I typically like Mozart.
I typically don't enjoy too many vocal type of recordings, although I kinda like Arvo Part, at least the one I have, but only kinda.
Tchaikovsky, I just have 1812 and its cool, but not for everyday.
The Mahler I have is kinda boring.
I was bored by Glen Gould Bach Variations that I had.
I haven't really gotten into Rachminoff yet, although it had potential with me.
I have a violin concerto of Saint Saens and it was a bit too dense for me.

So far I found I like the dynamic and melodic orchestral pieces. I like solo stuff if it is melodic.

Randy · « **Reply #29 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 05:28 pm »

Quote from: JoshK on 23 Apr 2008, 04:30 pm

The Mahler I have is kinda boring.

Try the Finale of the Mahler 5th symphony and see if it's boring. It will knock your socks off.

goldlizsts · « **Reply #30 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 05:47 pm »

Josh,

Glenn Gould's Goldberg Variations recording perhaps is "aged." It was praised I think mostly because of the artistic values. Try the new Dinnerstein version on Telarc. It's very well-received currently (one of the best of the year last year on NPR's list). I find it very enjoyable. The recording technology, of course, is the latest. Dinnerstein is a local gal too, Brooklyn I think. Support your local sheriff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With classical music, there are so many recordings (variations), vs. say the Beatles only had 1 Magical Mystery Tour recording. More possibilities with classicalmusic because of different interpretations and recording merits.

srayle · « **Reply #31 on:** 23 Apr 2008, 08:30 pm »

Mike Oldfield, odf Tubular Bells fame and a large European following,
has recently released his first 'Classical' album, 'Music of the Spheres'...
Full orchestra...I'm a long time fan of everything he's done...don't know how
'Classical' it is, but it's at the top of the Classical charts in Britain...I like it,
check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOYMl-2m7i0

Steve

JeffB · « **Reply #32 on:** 24 Apr 2008, 08:17 pm »

I decided to look at KUSC's website.
They have all their playlists there so you can look up what you heard.
Back to my heavy metal thread post earlier, the first one is what I heard Tues.

Johann Sebastian Bach: Harpsichord Concerto in de (Allegro) BWV 1054
      The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock
      Trevor Pinnock, harpsichord
      DG/Archiv 415 991

And I heard this one today.

Johann Sebastian Bach: Partita No.3 in a BWV 827
Richard Goode, piano
Nonesuch 79698

I thought these both rocked.

Thanks for the suggestions Randy.

saisunil · « **Reply #33 on:** 24 Apr 2008, 08:48 pm »

50TH Anniversary Harmonia Mundi

29 audiophile quality classical CDs for $99

Currently on sale at Amazon for $79
http://www.amazon.com/Anniversary-Harmonia-Mundi-Various-Artists/dp/B000VIFM1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209069663&sr=1-1

It starts from ancient classical music all the way up to contemporary classical.
Harmonia Mundi CDs usually sell between $12 to $18 each

Even if you like at least 5 out of 29 CDs - you get your money's worth

It will rate this box set as solid 4 out of 5 stars ****-.

This set is not for everyone and is not a "Best of" or "Essential" type.
In some way it may not be a good introduction to classical for most people and for some it just might be the ticket as this box set exposes you to major periods of music. The whole set is good.

If you don't like a group of CDs - just sell them here - it is will good for the buyer too.

I am still going through my set and enjoying it

cheers

carusoracer · « **Reply #34 on:** 25 Apr 2008, 02:19 pm »

Quote from: TONEPUB on 22 Apr 2008, 07:07 am

Sir Arnold Bax, the symponies.

Dark, powerful and creepy...

Sounds like the monster is going to come out of the
closet and strangle you at any moment!

Sounds great really loud!

Any particular movements or lins you can recommend?

woodsyi · « **Reply #35 on:** 25 Apr 2008, 03:21 pm »

The 3rd movement of Symphony No. 2 lives up to it's name, Poco largamente - Allegro feroce - Molto largamente.

Randy · « **Reply #36 on:** 25 Apr 2008, 06:08 pm »

IMO, the Bax symphonies might be a little daunting for the novice classical music fan who might find them somewhat dull. There are many better choices for beginners, you might say. However, the set to get for all the symphonies and some of the tone poems is this.

http://www.amazon.com/Bax-Symphonies-Arnold/dp/B0000DIGLH/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209145372&sr=1-2

There is a series on Naxos at cheaper prices where one could sample Bax at little $ risk. Also, a great Lyrita CD is out of the 6th symphony I have on an Lp.

These works below by Hindemith are superb. The Kammermusik should appeal to Jeff, the heavy metal fan. The three orchestral works on the DG disc below are 20th century standards, great, dynamic, and colorful music. I don't have this partiular recording, but it should be excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/Kammermusik-Hindemith/dp/B00008MLTZ/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209145884&sr=1-18

Here's a link for some used copies of the original release for a little less money.

http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Hindemith-Kammermusik-Nos-1-7/dp/B00000E4YR/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209147800&sr=1-3

http://www.amazon.com/Hindemith-Symphonie-Symphonische-Metamorphosen-Nobilissima/dp/B0000012WN/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209146087&sr=1-30

saisunil · « **Reply #37 on:** 25 Apr 2008, 06:22 pm »

What got me into classical was Bernstein

http://www.amazon.com/Bernstein-Century-Copland-Appalachian-Spring/dp/B0000029XG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209147120&sr=1-6

Here's an absolute no brainer for $4
http://www.amazon.com/25-Classical-Favorites-Frank-Morelli/dp/B0000058HT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209147346&sr=1-1
This CD has snippets from very popular tunes. Sound is not bad either.
It will give you a sense of what you like.

Here is my favorite audiophile classical (orchestra) sampler (this is a popular CD at sudio shows) - very dynamic:
http://www.amazon.com/Tutti-Orchestral-Sampler-Malcolm-Arnold/dp/B0000015AK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209147461&sr=1-1

I have the Chandos BAX box - they are great but may not be for the first timer - rainy / snowy day with a lot of time on had really makes this box sing...

Randy · « **Reply #38 on:** 15 May 2008, 04:20 am »

The symphonies of Kurt Atterberg are fabulous, but unknown to even most classical fans. Highly recommended. Read some of the reviews at Amazon, and get the box set, a steal at the $26 asking price. Then try the symphonies of Tubin, also 20th century romantic Scandinavian music. Then for something more modern sounding, and fabulous, the symphonies of Vagn Holmboe. The two latter can be found on the Swedish label BIS, which is known for the outstanding sound of their recordings. Holmboe's "Symphonic Metamorphoses" will give your speakers a workout.

http://www.amazon.com/Kurt-Atterberg-Symphonies-Box-Set/dp/B0007ACVDW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210824324&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=Tubin&x=12&y=18

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=Vagn+Holmboe&x=12&y=14

Another great and unusual work, Leifs's "Saga Symphony." It has to be heard to be believed. Not for the faint of heart.

http://www.amazon.com/J%C3%B3n-Leifs-Saga-Symphony-Jon/dp/B0000016MO/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210826176&sr=1-17

Randy · « **Reply #39 on:** 15 May 2008, 04:48 am »

Here's another of my favorites. Irresistible music. If you don't like this, you aren't breathing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006B1KD/ref=pd_thx_sims_3?pf_rd_p=322606001&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_t=3201&pf_rd_i=typ01&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=093XH1CKSEWET43GCTKZ