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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
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
@n80, check out Anton Bruckner, one of the masters of the symphonic form. Symphony No. 7, 8 and 9 were written at the peak of his creativity. Symphony No. 4 "Romantic" is a good introduction to Bruckner since it is very melodic.

Gunter Wand/ Berlin Philharmonic on RCA Red Seal has outstanding SQ with terrific performances. RCA Red Seal is one of the great classical labels known for high quality recordings.

https://www.amazon.com/Symphony-7-Anton-Bruckner/dp/B00004YMJ0/ref=sr_1_5?s=music&ie=UTF8&qi...

https://www.amazon.com/Bruckner-Symphony-No-8-Anton/dp/B00005Q66Y/ref=sr_1_5?s=music&ie=UTF8&...

https://www.amazon.com/Bruckner-Symphony-No-4-Anton/dp/B0000247D1/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&...

... and don't buy any remastered versions.


rrm
44 posts
 
I own very few CDs since they are too flat sounding but some SACDs are really good.The best I have heard for sound quality is the Colin Davis/Concertgebouw version of Symphonie Fantastique on Pentatone.
Even in the 2 track stereo output it is simply fantastique!
melbguyone
294 posts
 
- Herbert von Karajan Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Japanese Import (UHQCD). *Currently out of stock on Elusive Disc
- Mahler Symphony No.1 (XRCD24) - http://www.elusivedisc.com/Mahler-Symphony-No-1-XRCD24/productinfo/HIQSXR35/- Brahms: Symphony No.4 [SHM-CD] [Limited Release]  - http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UCCG-9956?s_ssid=e363725b8189cb6df7
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Wagner Ring by either Von Karajan or Solti. From the golden age of Vienna and Berlin orchestras.
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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