What are the 10 must-have classical recordings?

[edorr]

OK, I found the download from Pono: https://www.ponomusic.com/ccrz__CCP...&artistId=of:cf98bbdfc2434844b02e63289894cd90

It is just $10!

Nice. Never used pono before. I presume it is full resolution?

 

[853guy]

Oh, that was already in my Pono cart from yesterday!!!

At least I think it is. The last track is 10 minutes shorter! https://www.ponomusic.com/ccrz__CCP...f:c056736c3a194c7fa5d4ea34554020ab&type=Album

And Ponomusic has zero metdata to see anything other than track list. Boo

Are you sure? Both the CD and Pono download clock the last track - the second movement of Tabula Rasa, "Silentium" - at 16:50...?

Tasmin Little's EMI/Warners is marginally shorter at 16:21.

Edit: Oh, you mean the file you downloaded is 10 minutes shorter...? Ugh. What a bummer. Another thumbs up for physical media, then...

 

[853guy]

Nice. Never used pono before. I presume it is full resolution?

44.1kHz/16-bit.

 

[marslo]

Amirm,
If you want good and cheap you have to buy twice
The release from Pono is not JVC xrcd, sorry.
I bought mine with elusivedisc.com, pls check there, at amazon it is out of stock.

 

[amirm]

Nice. Never used pono before. I presume it is full resolution?

Yes, lossless 44.1/16.

 

[amirm]

Amirm,
If you want good and cheap you have to buy twice
The release from Pono is not JVC xrcd, sorry.
I bought mine with elusivedisc.com, pls check there, at amazon it is out of stock.

I noticed that but could not find any provenance on the XRCD. Did they master at higher resolution?

 

[marslo]

You can find more info about xrcd mastering, it is probably 24 bit mastering at JVC studio but it is mentionned on the disc that Alan Yoshida mastered the tape at Californian studio.

http://www.elusivedisc.com/Rossini-Overtures-XRCD24/productinfo/JVCSXR0229/

Sorry, not available either

 

[amirm]

You can find more info about xrcd mastering, it is probably 24 bit mastering at JVC studio but it is mentionned on the disc that Alan Yoshida mastered the tape at Californian studio.

http://www.elusivedisc.com/Rossini-Overtures-XRCD24/productinfo/JVCSXR0229/

Sorry, not availableeit

Thanks. Found another review that said it was nice. So I bought a used one through Amazon in good shape for $25 or so. May still buy the download to compare.

 

[edorr]

You guys are hopeless. Can we have a report on how Amirm actually likes the MUSIC rather than if he managed to track down a 16 bit or 24 bit version

 

[Vincent Kars]

Rossini is opera but later in his life he also wrote pieces for piano solo, Peches de vieillesse : http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.570590-91

One I really like is his Petite messe solennelle with a Harmonium


He also wrote six elegant string quartets

 

[RBFC]

In most classical music, where there have been many performances of a given piece recorded, it comes down to one's priorities. If recording quality is the top priority, one may have to be prepared to listen to a well-recorded, high-resolution version of the piece played by a decidedly inferior artist. If one values performance, the desired version may exhibit dated recording quality.

IMO, "learning" classical music is a life-long pursuit. I would recommend that a beginner purchase two versions of a famous piece: one known for performance virtues and another known for recording quality. Then, compare the two versions and attempt to understand why the famed performance has earned those accolades. (Without a background in playing/reading music, this may take a bit longer). It's like jamming to Jimi Hendrix on your car radio or listening to a well-recorded garage-band imitator play Purple Haze, as an exaggerated comparison.

Be prepared to find balance in your priorities.

Lee

 

[marslo]

You guys are hopeless. Can we have a report on how Amirm actually likes the MUSIC rather than if he managed to track down a 16 bit or 24 bit version

You are right, sorry Amir. Let' s wait until he digests all this music, it is probably too much at once.

 

[amirm]

You are right, sorry Amir. Let' s wait until he digests all this music, it is probably too much at once.

It is fine guys . It has been like taking a drink from firehose . But I like to have more info than not. I am going to go to my listening room and sample more of what I have bought. So far the favorites are Bach and Pärt. Will report back on what else rises to the top.

 

[edorr]

It is fine guys . It has been like taking a drink from firehose . But I like to have more info than not. I am going to go to my listening room and sample more of what I have bought. So far the favorites are Bach and Pärt. Will report back on what else rises to the top.

If you like Part, I am 99% sure you will love this track from the Trondheim Solistene album "Divertimenti" on 2L Nordic Sound. "Carmina" by Bjorklund.

It is the most profoundly melancholic Nordic music known to man. You can buy the track separately in high rez on the 2L website. Recording quality is absolutely top notch to boot.

You can hear a sample here.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018T38R4/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk8

Others may want to check it out as well.

 

[RBFC]

In NO way was I suggesting that we stop recommending music. After 35+ years of concert going and collecting classical music, I've learned a great deal from everyone's selections here! And gotten a bit poorer! I hoped to provide some clarity to a process that carries a maximum effective uptake rate. I also hope to stimulate discussion about WHAT qualities define a legendary performance, as opposed to just another recording of an old warhorse. Understanding why certain recordings have achieved vaunted status is the key to a deeper understanding of the art (and far greater personal satisfaction from the experience) than merely shopping off a list. I sincerely hope that these comments ignite a true passion for the classics, and are meant to supplement the acquisition of the great recommendations here.

Lee

 

[RBFC]

The 2L website has long offered free downloads in the "test bench" section, ranging from 24/96 stereo to DXD and also in DSD. There are some choices also offered in multichannel.

Lee

 

[edorr]

The 2L website has long offered free downloads in the "test bench" section, ranging from 24/96 stereo to DXD and also in DSD. There are some choices also offered in multichannel.

Lee

You would have to pay for the track I am recommending (I have the blu ray music rip but bought the download separately myself). Worth every penny.

 

[amirm]

If you like Part, I am 99% sure you will love this track from the Trondheim Solistene album "Divertimenti" on 2L Nordic Sound. "Carmina" by Bjorklund.

It is the most profoundly melancholic Nordic music known to man. You can buy the track separately in high rez on the 2L website. Recording quality is absolutely top notch to boot.

You can hear a sample here.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018T38R4/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk8

Others may want to check it out as well.

And you are 100% right! I have bought a reference recording album from l2 with a mozart performance by Trondheim Solistene. Will purchase the album you mention for sure.

 

[edorr]

And you are 100% right! I have bought a reference recording album from l2 with a mozart performance by Trondheim Solistene. Will purchase the album you mention for sure.

It's a good album overall, but the track I referenced stands out to me as the ultimate expression of Nordic melancholy in music....

 

[amirm]

Stravinsky: Petroushka/Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances - Jansons, Concertgebouw
2 orchestral masterpieces from the first part of the 20th Century on the excellent RCO Live label.

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 15 - Haitink, Concertgebouw
Last half of 20th Century, and one of my favorites by this great composer. A recording and equipment reviewer friend agrees this is exemplary orchestral sound. He took it to RMAF for equipment listening. RCO Live.

So I just finished listening to these two which I purchased from Prostudiomasters, one at 96 Khz and the other, 88 Khz: http://www.prostudiomasters.com/search?q=Stravinsky:+Petrushka+-+Rachmaninoff:+Symphonic+Dances+#x

Oh man. I don't think I have ever heard live recordings this perfect! Stunning resolution and dynamics. Easily made it to my "audiophile" playlists! There is just a bit of orchestra shuffling and such between tracks which adds some realism to the sound. Clearly reference quality material as Fitzcarraldo correctly mentions.

On the composition I can't get into it like I can with Bach where it comes with ease and I can easily follow the flow of music. Fortunately it crosses the barrier to the side where I find the music enjoyable even though I have a hard time comprehending it. It is like hearing foreign language that you don't yet understand but enjoy listening to it nevertheless. This is the kind of work that I think I will learn to like more as I listen to it more. The superb fidelity means that I will listen to it in the future.

Highly recommended and much thanks.