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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 1 response by 77jovian

77jovian
385 posts
 
Excellent comments and suggestions above.

I would add:

Chrisropher Parkening, Parkening Plays Bach. Also John Williams’ recordings of the Bach Cello Suites. Another favorite guitarist is Carlos Barbosalima, any of his recordings.

Chopin’s Nocturnes and piano concertos, I like Pollini and Barenboim, but there are dozens of fine versions.

Schubert...some of his vast vocal music, I would begin with Songs for Male Chorus (Robert Shaw Chamber Singers), and sample some volumes from the Schubert Edition on Hyperion. I also recommend Schubert’s piano sonatas.

Mahler...the second symphony, Resurrection (again, lots of versions, but I usually reach for Gilbert Kaplan with the London Symphony). And explore some of his songs (“Lieder”), try Thomas Hampson or Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau as a start.

Brahms, his German Requiem and the Alto Rhapsody...Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony versions are nice. And some of my favorite, Brahms’ late piano music, say opus 116-119, especially the recordings of Stephen Bishop Kavacevich.

Some delightful fun, Gilbert and Sullivan, Pirates of Penzance or the Mikado.

Something ethereal, Bill Douglas’ Deep Peace, Ars Nova Singers
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