Name one your favourite clasical recordings

[Jaibulu]

I would highly recommend Glenn Gould’s recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 (Franz Liszt Piano Transcription).

One of the greatest interpreters of Bach, Glenn Gould really brings out the contrapuntal elements in this symphony.

[danpowers]

I'd have to say my favorite at the moment is Robert Shaw's 1960 recording of Bach's B-minor Mass. I love it!

[dubaifox]

Mahler 2 - Bernstein/NY
De Falla,Three Cornered Hat-Charles Dutoit/Montreal
Puccini,La Boheme-Karajan/Pavarotti and Freni
Saint Sean Organ Concerto-Berlin/Levine
Respighi Ancient Airs and Dances-Hogwood
Petroushka - Philadelphia

[Jaibulu]

I'd have to say my favorite at the moment is Robert Shaw's 1960 recording of Bach's B-minor Mass. I love it!

Is there anything in particular that makes this recording special to you compared to other recordings of the Mass in Bmin?

[FredProgGH]

I have a recording of the Beethoven Violin Concerto by Zino Francescotti and Bruno Walter that I like a lot. I never named it but I suppose if I had to I would name it Bill.

[RichG]

The first to come to mind for me is R. Vaughan Williams' Fifth Symphony, Andre Previn, Royal Philharmonic (Telarc), not so much for the recording, but for the interpretation and performance of this beautiful piece of music.

[JonP]

Walton Violin & Viola Concertos - Nigel Kennedy

Once I heard this recording I realised Kennedy was no lightweight.

Ligeti Etudes - Marc-Andre Hamelin

Incredible performance of some amazing music. Some of the toughest music I've played and I can only listen jaw to the floor when I hear the clarity and passion in his performance. My envy is far over-shadowed by my respect for this olympian musician.

[dpc]

Bruno Walter's Beethoven's 6th (CBS Masterworks) with what was called the Columbia Symphony which was actually pick-up players from either New York or LA. This performance is so stunning as to make one think they never heard music before. Beethoven's depth is revealed on another level and Walter's reputation as perhaps the greatest conductor of the century well understood.

Looking at the CD jacket: High Fidelity called it a "historic" recording which is not hyperbole in this case in the slightest.

Bernstein's Dvorak New World and Mahler 6th, with N.Y Phil from the late 60's. Also his Beethoven (string orchestra version of of the C# minor quartet) with Vienna on DG which is his personal favorite of all his performances.

[joaz]

Walton Violin & Viola Concertos - Nigel Kennedy

Once I heard this recording I realised Kennedy was no lightweight.

I have to agree with this. I always rated Kennedy, but the musicality of these performances, suggest he has added depth, to the evident brilliance.He even plays the Viola, more or less in tune, and you dont hear that every day.:D
regards

[FredProgGH]

Bruno Walter's Beethoven's 6th (CBS Masterworks) with what was called the Columbia Symphony which was actually pick-up players from either New York or LA. This performance is so stunning as to make one think they never heard music before. Beethoven's depth is revealed on another level and Walter's reputation as perhaps the greatest conductor of the century well understood.

Right, that's the same group on the Frascescotti recording. Amazing.

[Jaibulu]

I guess I have a new list of recommendations to check out next time I'm in the music store. But I prefer orchestral recordings on vinyl than CD, it just sounds more lively.

[Pingu]

Naming one is just too hard.

Rite of Spring - all of Karajan's recordings

Ligeti's Requiem - original recording on Wergo label

Bartok's Sonata for 2 Pianos and Percussion - Ashkenazy and Ashkenazy

Three Movements from Petrouchka - Pollini
Like the Ligeti preludes that someone else mentioned. This is the most demanding piece I ever played, back when I had time to practice, and Pollini just makes the incredible difficulties sound like a stroll in the park, at the same time as being very musical about it. I try not to listen too often as it depresses me that I'll never have time to play like that again.

[David_Carter]

Bob Zimmerframe's 1853 recording of the "Have a Clavical" sonata on the Sticky Label is a classic.

[JohnGrant]

Just a few come to mind . . .

Gould/Goldberg Var., any one of the three recordings he made
Jarrett, Handel Suites
Gilels/Ludwig, Beethoven PC 4
Szering/Bach Partitas and Sonatas for Violin

JG

[danpowers]

Is there anything in particular that makes this recording special to you compared to other recordings of the Mass in Bmin?
It's the only recording I have, so I don't really have any basis for comparison. But I love the warmth of the sound, the expressiveness of the performances, and the careful attention to balance.

Thanks for alerting me to the Kennedy's recording of the Walton concertos. I've never heard it, but I'll have to look for it next time I'm CD shopping.