Classical ♫ Music only | Some you listen now or recently, some you love...

[Andolink]

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924): Cello Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 109 & Cello Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 117
Alban Gerhardt, cello
Cecile Licad, piano

 

[dBiz]

String Quartets, Vol. 4: Schubert-Ratkje-Britten-Haydn​

Engegård Quartet​

 

[Rednaxela]

 

[Andolink]

Edward Elgar: Violin Sonata in E minor, Op. 82
Jonathan Crow, violin
Paul Stewart, piano

 

[watchnerd]

I've pretty much given up on classical as a genre.

So much of the recording space is dominated by the high brow equivalent of cover bands, re-interpreting the same stuff over and over.

And a lot of new works are either pretty similar to old compositions, or too weird or avant garde, or just bleeding over into genres that I'm not sure is even classical anymore.

[Is Terry Riley's 'In C' really classical]

I didn't renew my symphony membership after the last season ended.

 

[Eulipian]

Bach-Great Organ Works ~ Peter Hurford Because nothing says "sustain" like a pipe organ.

 

[Septentrio]

Quatuor Ébène - 'Round Midnight.

Magnificent recording

 

[dBiz]

Minor Major OSLO STRING QUARTET​

 

[ronniebear]

I've pretty much given up on classical as a genre. ....... So much of the recording space is dominated by the high brow equivalent of cover bands, re-interpreting the same stuff over and over.
And a lot of new works are either pretty similar to old compositions, or too weird or avant garde, or just bleeding over into genres that I'm not sure is even classical anymore. [Is Terry Riley's 'In C' really classical] ...... I didn't renew my symphony membership after the last season ended.

Ouch! That's a pretty serious rejection of the genre, albeit you have some valid points for which I partially concur. I don't know how deeply involved in Western classical music you are, but the overwhelming majority of musical compositions are not the "warhorses" which are commercially successful with paying audiences. If you have a good streaming service and a bit of intellectual curiosity, seek out some of the less prominent composers and pieces. How about the Cherubini Symphony in D Major, Lutoslawski Concerto for Orchestra, Faure Piano Quartet in C Minor, or even more obscure works.

I do thank you for providing a useful characterization of much mainstream commercial activity:

So much of the recording space is dominated by the high brow equivalent of cover bands, re-interpreting the same stuff over and over.

 

[Gorgonzola]

Got several new CDs for Christmas, all were Grammy Best Engineered Classical Albums.

For one, Shostakovich's Symphonies Nos. 4 and 11 ("The year 1905") ~ Andris Nelsons & Boston Sympony on Deutsche Grammophon. Absolutely fabulous sound quality; possibly the best orchestral sound I've heard on record.

 

[MoreWatts]

Time for the annual Vienna Philharmonic New Year's concert. The first video shows a live performance from 2022, while the second is the first tune from the official album of that concert. A YouTube link to the full album follows. Happy New Year!

Vienna Philharmonic, 2022 New Years Concert, YouTube link, full album.

 

[Rednaxela]

 

[Daverz]

I've pretty much given up on classical as a genre.

Everything from Dufay up to the present day and all the various instrumental, vocal and choral forms crammed into one iTunes category. Ugh.

So much of the recording space is dominated by the high brow equivalent of cover bands, re-interpreting the same stuff over and over.

Well, yes, that's pretty much what "classical" means.

And a lot of new works are either pretty similar to old compositions, or too weird or avant garde, or just bleeding over into genres that I'm not sure is even classical anymore.

[Is Terry Riley's 'In C' really classical]

I'll allow it.

I didn't renew my symphony membership after the last season ended.

Why did you buy a symphony membership if you don't like the music? A feeling of obligation is death to the enjoyment of just about any art.

 

[Rednaxela]

 

[theREALdotnet]

Have I posted this before? One of the pinnacles of chamber music for me. It’s an old recording, but I’m having a hard time finding a better one.

 

[Rednaxela]

Have I posted this before? One of the pinnacles of chamber music for me. It’s an old recording, but I’m having a hard time finding a better one.

View attachment 258532

Very nice indeed. Thank you.

 

[Roderik]

Ouch! That's a pretty serious rejection of the genre, albeit you have some valid points for which I partially concur. I don't know how deeply involved in Western classical music you are, but the overwhelming majority of musical compositions are not the "warhorses" which are commercially successful with paying audiences. If you have a good streaming service and a bit of intellectual curiosity, seek out some of the less prominent composers and pieces. How about the Cherubini Symphony in D Major, Lutoslawski Concerto for Orchestra, Faure Piano Quartet in C Minor, or even more obscure works.

I do thank you for providing a useful characterization of much mainstream commercial activity:

I think you're too friendly. I don't know what Watchnerd, anonymous of course, is interested in, it certainly is not the music itself. Unfortunately he's not the only one on this forum. Too many here rather just look at graphs than use their ears.

 

[Rednaxela]

Rubbish.

 

[dBiz]

Rubbish.

+1

 

[DavidEdwinAston]

I have just made one of my rare visits to Stereophile. Generally depressing, as always!
However, Their Records to die for, have provided much lovely music over the years. With the benefit of various genres covered over a few pages. I assume this thread is the equivalent on ASR. Covering only Classical however. I can see other types of music are covered by other threads. I just thought if there might be a more condensed single thread. All types of music. Specific Album recording details. Perhaps a brief reason for adding it. No links to YouTube.
Just a thought.