The ultimate classical album?

[Capunk]

Hi all,

This kind of thread might popped up at back days, but right now I have problem choosing which Classical/Orchestra CD should I get?

I love Rachmaninov music (esp Piano concerto no.2), couple Bach songs (2: Air on G string), and some Chopin songs. Can you guys recommend me this kind orchestral music like:

- Mellow
- Very Emotional
- Romantical
- Epic
- Has a soft and sad part

I would prefer high quality recording, as I seen from 6moons reviews (which totally confuse me, because I don't know any of the album). I need some guidance choosing which CD should I get, as I want to enjoy my headphone setup soo much, and feel the emotion behind the music.

I'm sorry I can't describe what I wanted in verbal words, but I hope you get the idea. Thanks a lot!

 

[hempcamp]

If you like Chopin and Rocky, check out Beethoven's Sonatas. One of my favorites is Sonata in G minor, Op 5 played by Tompkins and Zivian on "Beethoven Piano and Cello Works" and available from Magnatune.com. Very mellow and emotional.

For a little more symphonic energy but still very emotional and pensive, "epic lite" brings Respighi's symphonic poems to mind, and Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.

--Chris

 

[Capunk]

Thanks for the inputs

I appreciate it, and actually I love Scheherazade.
Is there any more emotional piece like this?

 

[monolith]

If you like Rachmaninov, I heartily recommend Boris Berezovsky's recording of his second and third piano concerti. I've heard maybe 15 different people playing the third, and this recording is probably my favourite. His performance of the second is great as well, but the third is without compare in my opinion.

 

[Solecs]

I'll put in a recommendation for anything by Johannes Brahms, I've been listening to Symphony #3 lately. Of the recordings I've heard I like Bruno Walter with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra so far. Although I've had friends tell me there are better recordings out there...

 

[Guarneri]

Beethoven 7th symphony - Carlos Kleiber and the Vienna Philharmonic (mellow, dramatic, emotional, romantical)

Dvorak Symphonies 8 & 9 - Raphael Kubelik and the Berlin Philharmonic (emotional, romantical, epic, mellow, slow part, espeically the 9th)

Max Bruch's Scottish Fantasy - Jascha Heifetz (a violin "concerto"; not an orchestral piece but seems to suit your tastes VERY well; has everything you stated)

A very nice solo violin album: Romance of the Violin by Joshua Bell. Many pro musicians criticize his playing but this album is full of really beautiful (and sad) small pieces. You should really check it out if you haven't heard it.

If you want to go Brahms, my recommendations are Karajan or Kleiber.

Operas: Not too well versed here but perhaps La Traviata by Verdi? You'll probably want to get the DVD instead of just the sound recordings though.

BTW, I love Scheherazade too, which performance do you have for it?

 

[Rav]

Fitting every critera but mellow (it has some mellow, but also its fair share of verve) is the Reference Recordings Symphonic Dances (Cat no RR-96)

Also discussed in this thread.

 

[sejarzo]

Samuel Barber.

I'm not a musician, and no expert, just a music lover........but to me, he is THE master of melancholy.

Not only Adagio for Strings, which is often said the be "the nation's crying song" or something like that. Some of his work certainly wouldn't be considered very "mellow"....but somehow, I think you'd find Barber to provide most of what you are seeking.

I always suggest that folks use the Naxos Music Library 15 minute free preview capability (you can "log off" when it times out, go back to the home page and click on the free preview button again--so it's just a hassle, not really that you can only preview for one 15 minute session ever.)

The Barber series conducted by Marin Alsop on Naxos is well regarded. Look for "Second Essay for Orchestra", Symphony No. 1, and "Fadograph of a Yestern Scene", among others.

Also, because you like Rachmaninov, Rachmaninov's Symphony 2 is probably the "most romantic Romantic symphony". Just heard the CSO perform it live a few hours ago (literally) and it made me cry. Lots of interpretations out there. I don't particularly care for the new one by Paavo Jarvi on Telarc, and I find Previn's a bit on the syrupy side (though others often point to the late 1970's recording by Previn and the London Philharmonic as the best out there.)

 

[Guarneri]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sejarzo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Samuel Barber. I'm not a musician, and no expert, just a music lover........

I love non classical musicians that really appreciate classical music.

Adagio for strings... definitely a good choice there.

 

[Agent Kang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guarneri /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you want to go Brahms, my recommendations are Karajan or Kleiber.

For Beethoven, Strauss, or Bruckner, yeah, Karajan is a safe recommendation. But Karajan performing Brahms? Not exactly my first recommendation.

 

[PSmith08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guarneri /img/forum/go_quote.gif Beethoven 7th symphony - Carlos Kleiber and the If you want to go Brahms, my recommendations are Karajan or Kleiber.

Give Rafael Kubelík's live recording of Ein deutsches Requiem a spin. It's out on Audite, and you can buy a hard-copy at Amazon or ArkivMusic. Conversely, if you want to venture less money, you can download it on the cheap through Amazon, whose selection of Audite's Kubelík puts iTMS to shame.

 

[Tyson]

Rachmaninov's Isle of the Dead is probably the best piece to check out. After that, Sibelius' Violin Concerto.

 

[Thelonious Monk]

Ludwig van Beethoven / Bronfman / Zinman - Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, "Emperor," Op. 73

Based on your criterion, it fits the bill perfectly. Kleiber's Brahms No. 4 works just as well.