Trying to find out more about classical recordings

[strube]

Hey everyone,

I am sure there are people far more knowledgeable than I about this subject. The truth is, I have a very limited knowledge, that is why I am asking some experts or pseudo-experts (its all relative )...

I would like to gather some well-recorded, well-performed classical music, and would appreciate some suggestions on recordings, as I don't actually own any.

I kind of know what I like as far as the names of a couple composers, instruments, etc. I really like music with lots of piano, the obvious composer that comes to my mind is Chopin. I am also a big fan of strings in general. I like orchestral compositions that are energetic or "happy," but I really do like music that has a "darker" feel as well. As far as the small number of composers' works that I have heard, Beethoven and Chopin are the ones that really come to mind at the moment that I know I enjoy.

I really like classical guitar as well (I used to take classical guitar lessons because I love guitar, even though I know that is kind of a different category/era altogether). I am also a fan of stuff that has a Celtic feel to it.

What I don't like is singing of any kind in my classical music, which I am guessing eliminates some ideas. I also don't like lots of really intense brass, if that makes sense.

If anyone has suggestions on recordings I should check out based on these brief and likely incomplete preferences, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Strube

 

[no1maestro]

Some suggestions

I am assuming that you are starting almost from scratch in your classical foray. There are many fine recordings of classical music out there. My first suggestion would be to do some concentrated listening to a local fm radio station that specializes in classical music. If one doesn't exist in your area, try the internet stations such as KFUO FM, better known as Classic99. They stream 24 hours a day and they show their playlist so that you can check the orchestra and conductor and composer of each piece played.

Beethoven and Chopin are always a great place to start; Chopin for solo piano, mostly and Beethoven for orchestral as well as string quartets. Beethoven also wrote five wonderful concertos for piano and orchestra.

Talk to local folks at music stores; there is almost always at least one who is informed on clasical recordings and can make recommendations. Classical is just so subjective that each listener forms his likes and dislikes differently than his next-door neighbor.

Another suggestion is to buy some inexpensive samplers on cd such as the Telarc company sells; they have 15 to 20 different composers and styles per cd. This is an easy way to develop some direction.

I hope these few suggestions might be of help to you in your quest!!

 

[vizionut]

If you have some local record shops go there! We have a cool place around here call buget tapes and records that has or can get you about anything you want

 

[pzaur]

The Naxos label is a budget label that uses "lower tier" orchestras for their recordings. There are some top notch performances to be found. My favorite band on this label is the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (a.k.a. Scottish National Orchestra). Very fine group with some incredible performances. Also check out the Chandos label.

This is also a great place to start when looking for suggestions.
classical.net


-pat

 

[strube]

Thanks guys.

The reason I was asking for specific information was because there are no local record stores within a reasonable driving distance from here, so I often rely heavily on the internet.

Thanks for the internet radio suggestion, maestro, and thanks for the links, Pat!


Strube

 

[jostenmeat]

I really like classical guitar as well (I used to take classical guitar lessons because I love guitar, even though I know that is kind of a different category/era altogether). I am also a fan of stuff that has a Celtic feel to it.

The first thing I think of with both of those requirements is this. However, if you can be more specific about the classical guitar rep you like, I could better help you. Unfortunately, there is not very much with top notch "audiophile" sq (though there is some, perhaps better chances with older renaissance stuff on lute, theorbo, etc, but I suppose that's not exactly classical guitar).

What I don't like is singing of any kind in my classical music, which I am guessing eliminates some ideas. I also don't like lots of really intense brass, if that makes sense.

I am going to try to convert you, sorry. These are two of the better choral recordings in my personal collection. Even if YOU don't like it, you would be hard pressed to find better demo material. If you put either of these on when auditioning, even the dealer is going to have a seat next to you, start dreaming away, thank you for your visit, and ask you if he can write down what you brought in. Speaking from personal experience.

Hilliard / Lassus

Tallis / Josquin

 

[rnatalli]

For well-recorded stuff, check out Mapleshade, Chesky, Reference Recordings, Telarc, and Naxos. All of them have a well-sized classical catalog.

 

[pzaur]

Most major orchestras now create all recordings in house. Two US orchestras that have been churning incredible performances and recording are the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Both in house labels produce excellent work.

-pat

 

[strube]

The first thing I think of with both of those requirements is this. However, if you can be more specific about the classical guitar rep you like, I could better help you. Unfortunately, there is not very much with top notch "audiophile" sq (though there is some, perhaps better chances with older renaissance stuff on lute, theorbo, etc, but I suppose that's not exactly classical guitar).


I am going to try to convert you, sorry. These are two of the better choral recordings in my personal collection. Even if YOU don't like it, you would be hard pressed to find better demo material. If you put either of these on when auditioning, even the dealer is going to have a seat next to you, start dreaming away, thank you for your visit, and ask you if he can write down what you brought in. Speaking from personal experience.

Hilliard / Lassus

Tallis / Josquin

Thanks, JM. I will give the singing a chance, but no guarantees - I am picky. I can still appreciate quality and talent even though I may not like something though.

For well-recorded stuff, check out Mapleshade, Chesky, Reference Recordings, Telarc, and Naxos. All of them have a well-sized classical catalog.

Most major orchestras now create all recordings in house. Two US orchestras that have been churning incredible performances and recording are the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Both in house labels produce excellent work.

-pat

Thank you rnatalli and Pat, I will look into these as well!

Strube

 

[mark4mich]

I recently discovered a wonderful forum devoted to classical music:
good-music-guide.com. There is a beginners forum, a great recordings forum, a composers forum, and a general classical discussion forum, plus others. There is a wealth of good info there.

 

[Pat D]

Some suggestions

Hey everyone,

I am sure there are people far more knowledgeable than I about this subject. The truth is, I have a very limited knowledge, that is why I am asking some experts or pseudo-experts (its all relative )...

I would like to gather some well-recorded, well-performed classical music, and would appreciate some suggestions on recordings, as I don't actually own any.

I kind of know what I like as far as the names of a couple composers, instruments, etc. I really like music with lots of piano, the obvious composer that comes to my mind is Chopin. I am also a big fan of strings in general. I like orchestral compositions that are energetic or "happy," but I really do like music that has a "darker" feel as well. As far as the small number of composers' works that I have heard, Beethoven and Chopin are the ones that really come to mind at the moment that I know I enjoy.

I really like classical guitar as well (I used to take classical guitar lessons because I love guitar, even though I know that is kind of a different category/era altogether). I am also a fan of stuff that has a Celtic feel to it.

What I don't like is singing of any kind in my classical music, which I am guessing eliminates some ideas. I also don't like lots of really intense brass, if that makes sense.

If anyone has suggestions on recordings I should check out based on these brief and likely incomplete preferences, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Strube

I've thought about your request for three days or so. You mention happy orchestral music, also darker music, piano and guitar. The only composers you mention are Beethoven for orchestra and Chopin for piano. You don't like classical vocal music, which would presumably include solo and chorus--I think that's too bad because I am a singer, but not everyone likes the same things. There is a lot of "classical music" and it is difficult to determine what music someone else would like. Also, I don't want to overload you with information.

The suggestion to listen to classical music on FM is a good one. You may be able to borrow CDs from the local library. That way you can get some idea of the works and recordings you would like to have. I have been listening to classical music possibly for several decades before you were born so I have a good idea what I want to hear, though I still look for music I haven't heard yet. I notice there is a lot of classical music on the web. I haven't used that resource much, but it is there. NPR is probably good, and I am somewhat familiar with WFMT in Chicago, which is good. Also, you can listen to a lot of music on the Naxos site for a modest yearly cost, I believe.

As I said, I don't want to overload you with suggestions, but I can mention a few things I think many people would like.

The older complete set of Beethoven symphonies by Herbert von Karajan, completed in 1962 I think, is available at a budget price. It has stood the test of time and the sound is pretty good. The Pastorale Symphony, No. 6, is not bad but one can always get another recording of it, if one wishes. I haven't heard the more recent Zinman set, also budget, but others seem to like it.

Pinnock has recorded all the Mozart symphonies, all 41 of them, and it is very fine indeed. The last six symphonies are the best, but the box set is available for the price of a couple of full price CDs, so one may as well get it. The sound quality is excellent.

Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, orchestrated by Ravel, is very popular and there are a number of excellent recordings. Many like Maazel on Telarc which as spectacular sound.

You might like recordings of overtures by Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini, Suppe, Auber, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Wagner.

Beethoven wrote a lot of piano sonatas, and you might look at some of the popular ones such as the Moonlight, Pathetique, and Appassionata (nos. 14, 8, and 23, respectively). I like Horowitz, but there are many others such as Rubinstein and Kempff.

For Chopin, Artur Rubinstein is classic, but there are many excellent recordings by other pianists. Many say Idil Biret on Naxos is good, but I haven't heard her. There are Waltzes, Nocturnes, Scherzos, Sonatas, Etudes, and so on.

For guitar, one can't really go wrong with John Williams and Julian Bream. Naxos has quite a few recordings of classical guitar with Norbert Kraft and others less well known.

 

[XEagleDriver]

Strube,

I have been going through a similar exploration of classical music and found the arkivmusic.com site very useful. I purchased a few of Decca's "Name-Your-Composer" - Greatest Hits CDs for less than $7 a piece to get an inexpensive overview of what composers/classical music styles I prefer.

If you like SACDs, the Pentatone Classics series have been excellent across the board.

XEagleDriver

 

[lsiberian]

Why limit yourself to just one period of time.

Try out all the different ages of music.

This brings back memories of music appreciation(one of the most fun classes I took) According to our Prof and the book we read. Classical is just one period of music. Other periods are the Renaissance, Baroque, and then the Romantic.

Each are very different. I know you are at a university so you may look around. I got this cd Called Listen that came with our book. It has a wide selection of music from various periods and is a good starter cd.

I find it important to learn to appreciate all styles if you can tolerate them

 

[markw]

If you like "happy" music, pick up some baroque samplers. This period tends to be a bit more "cheerful" than the other periods. Bach is a favorite of mine.

And, I second the suggestion for using Arkiv music. You can get virtually anything currently available and it's organized in such a way that your search options are extremely comprehensive. Pricing is fair, too.

 

[cvcgolf]

For piano..Lang Lang
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viHg_kIWUeI&feature=related

For guitar..Christoper Parkening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGzZuHmEOeE&feature=related

This is just a complete must have..Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. It's amazing! Very powerful. This is from the Walt Disney concert hall in Los Angeles. L.A. Phil conducted by Esa Pekka Salonen. It's divided into 5 separate vids. Watch all 5 to feel the true force. Salonen looks like a total bad *** at the end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgHMpYsv0_0