Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Classical Music Recommendations

Andrew, I'm not really interested in samplers and want the entire performances of compositions that I like. Of the list of excerpts on there I've listened to the complete Runnicles Carmina Burana and the Spano Vaughan Williams Sea Symphony. Both were fine performances and the sound was excellent, but I didn't buy either since I already had performances which I liked better.

One Telarc that I have and can recommend is the beautiful Synphony No. 2 by Howard Hanson(from Wahoo, Nebraska)performed by Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops .

Clearly one of the most talented of the 3,942 people in Wahoo.

Does anyone have any specific disc recommendations for Chopin?

Charles, I certainly do, but is there something specific that you have in mind which motivated the question? Chopin is best known for his solo piano compositions, but I'm inclined to suggest a recording of his two piano concertos for a first buy. I'll make a suggestion there and as to the various etudes, mazurkas, nocturnes etc., but I'm wondering if you heard something specific that you liked.

I can't spell it but I really like Mendelsohnn #64 I believe.

John, I was impatient and went ahead and ordered this reasonably priced SACD from Amazon.com:

The Chopin Ballades & Scherzos

I'm still open to your suggestions. As for what I heard, I don't even know. It was a solo piano piece, though.

Hi CV...You bought the recording I was going to recommend. Rubinstein was a Chopin specialist and universally considered the preeminent interpreter of his compositions. However what you now have is just a sampling of his repertoire and Chopin's works. What a unique composer this man from French/polish heritage was. He died at 39 or so years of age and completely changed the world of keyboard playing.

There are many other works by Chopin and I am sure John has some great suggestions. When you get a chance check out his polonaises as well and the two concerti. Interpretation and sound quality are important to many folks and although subjective it may be better to read some CD/SACD reviews about the various recordings out there or take a tip from one of us. John has asked the right questions of you so that recommendations can be tailored to your personal tastes. I hope you enjoy your purchase.

Thanks, Lee. I'll post back here after I've heard the disc I ordered.

Charles, no need to be impatient; these great Chopin works have been around for over 150 years and will exist as long as there are people who enjoy beautiful music. You picked a renowned Chopin artist in Rubinstein, as Lee pointed out, but for a broader sampling of the solo piano works there's an outstanding bargain available. A new 3-disc compilation from Idil Biret's excellent complete edition of all the works is available for about $15 shipped from Amazon sellers .

Thanks, John! I'll have to pick that one up sometime.