Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo 5 Favorite Symphonies

DL, that's a list of great works and I have one or more versions of each. As Peter mentioned, it makes it even more interesting when the specific recording is identified. Since you say that the Beethoven 5th is a favorite, you should have Carlos Kleiber's excellent CD coupling it with his 7th.

Symphonies which you didn't mention but should definitely have are the three by Rachmaninoff available on a bargain 3 CD set also including the Symphonic Dances, Isle of the Dead and The Bells now on sale at Tower. If you like the Tchaikovsky 5th you should also have his 4th, available in a fine version with Romeo and Juliet on sale now. Free shipping.

Bigjohn, you probably have my past suggestions bookmarked, but specifically, you first-timer, do this: go to the Amazon music site and search in classical by punching in "planets mehta" which runs $7.98, and then "symphonic poems batiz", "symphonic dances batiz" and "hungarian dances bogar", which are $6.98 each. So there're four real bargains for $29 with free shipping. Whip out that credit card and enjoy. There's a whole world of beautiful music out there for you to discover.

I'll second the suggestion on the 5th and 7th symphony CD. Have it, love it, need to buy more classical.

well, thanks guys...

as mentioned, i have bookmarked all these suggestions, and will go check them out. my wife even mentioned she would like some classical music to listen to in the day since she is at home with the new baby, and hates to hear the constant drone of the TV.

i now have a good idea of where to start.. the dvorak #9 and beethovan #5 must be really good, cause those 2 are mentioned alot.. i think i will start there, and get an idea of what my tastes might be..

bigjohn

That Kleiber 5th and 7th cd is available in multi-channel SACD as well. I'll be picking that up ASAP.

As threatened, I went out today at lunch and bought that Yo-Yo Ma cd. I heard it in the car, and now at my desk at work on crap computer speakers and it's stunning. I can't wait to hear it at home.

Is Tchaikovsky 5th the one most people are familiar with that has the cannon booms towards the end (of the popular movement anyway). Are there any well recorded CD's that have this as well as some other pieces along the loud and thunderous vein?

I think you're thinking of the 1812 Overture.

Duh...yeah, I am. And I knew that too now that you say it. Is a lot of his stuff along that vein?

I don't know a lot of his stuff, but most of his stuff is pretty big and full sounding. I personally really like his stuff. Have you heard his "Marche Slave"? Another really great piece.