Favorite Classical CDs
by 
NickVolos 
If you made it this far down, you just discovered my favorite chart of all - a list of my favorite classical CDs. Most of these CDs are collections of multiple of the composer's works - in some cases spanning the whole lifetime of the composer - rather than individual works. The chart is sorted based on my favorite collection of a composer's work and not based on the performer(s) and/or conductor that interprets it. All selections are rated 100 as all represent the absolutely top most quality that music has to offer. Reverse this chart from 100 to 1 and the music in it remains beautifully perfect.
- Chart updated: 02/09/2015 13:15
- (Created: 11/07/2013 04:43).
- Chart size: 27 albums.
Member feedback is NOT allowed on this chart.
View the complete list of 57,000 charts on BestEverAlbums.com from The Charts page.
This chart is currently filtered to only show albums from Ronald Brautigam / Riccardo Chailly. (Remove this filter)
Buy album 
- #Sponsored
No wonder that this has won a Gramophone Editor's Choice award!
It is an exceedingly witty interpretation that retains character without sacrificing clarity. It manages to use a classical tempo to acheive a jazz swing which is impressive. The music itself is very entertaining and perky, with some exquisite slow movements. This is a rare insight into Shostakovitch's more happy side.
It is VERY easy to listen to, unlike his symphonies, and although some may criticise this for its lack of depth, I would argue that these works are not renowned for any profound meaning. Just enjoy them!
In all probability motivated by survival as much as art, the Jazz suites may be too easy to dismiss unless you are familiar with the composer's more "serious" works. However, on repeated listening, this oddly light selection of movements proves itself to be unadulterated Shostakovich. While seemingly far removed from the affecting turmoil of the symphonies, many of these pieces display the same keen wit, irony and even sarcasm one might find in, say, the second movement of the eighth, or the finale of the sixth. Dimitry is in playful mood and nobody can craft musical mischief like Dimitry in his stride. There is almost a sense of parody to some of these works, but the material is so strong that even when scoring to such a strict style, rather than composing freely, Shoshtakovich's personality, trademarks and fantastic ability shine through. Finally, these works prove, if proof were needed, that the man had a fine ear for a tune. If you were to count the number of killer hooks on this record you would soon run out of fingers and toes. Gorgeous, mind-melting melodies are paraded by thick and fast, some only meriting one or two repeats before the next jaw-dropping change of direction.
The musicianship on this particular interpretation, the sound quality also, manage to remain as lively, fresh and skilful as the music. It has the feeling of a live concert - you can almost see the expressions on their faces. (Amazon Customer Reviews) [First added to this chart: 11/08/2013]
It is an exceedingly witty interpretation that retains character without sacrificing clarity. It manages to use a classical tempo to acheive a jazz swing which is impressive. The music itself is very entertaining and perky, with some exquisite slow movements. This is a rare insight into Shostakovitch's more happy side.
It is VERY easy to listen to, unlike his symphonies, and although some may criticise this for its lack of depth, I would argue that these works are not renowned for any profound meaning. Just enjoy them!
In all probability motivated by survival as much as art, the Jazz suites may be too easy to dismiss unless you are familiar with the composer's more "serious" works. However, on repeated listening, this oddly light selection of movements proves itself to be unadulterated Shostakovich. While seemingly far removed from the affecting turmoil of the symphonies, many of these pieces display the same keen wit, irony and even sarcasm one might find in, say, the second movement of the eighth, or the finale of the sixth. Dimitry is in playful mood and nobody can craft musical mischief like Dimitry in his stride. There is almost a sense of parody to some of these works, but the material is so strong that even when scoring to such a strict style, rather than composing freely, Shoshtakovich's personality, trademarks and fantastic ability shine through. Finally, these works prove, if proof were needed, that the man had a fine ear for a tune. If you were to count the number of killer hooks on this record you would soon run out of fingers and toes. Gorgeous, mind-melting melodies are paraded by thick and fast, some only meriting one or two repeats before the next jaw-dropping change of direction.
The musicianship on this particular interpretation, the sound quality also, manage to remain as lively, fresh and skilful as the music. It has the feeling of a live concert - you can almost see the expressions on their faces. (Amazon Customer Reviews) [First added to this chart: 11/08/2013]
Year of Release:
1993
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3
Rank in 1993:
Rank in 1990s:
Average Rating:
Comments:
0Total albums: 1. Page 1 of 1
Don't agree with this chart? Create your own from the My Charts page!
Favorite Classical CDs composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 1 | 4% | |
| 1960s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1970s | 3 | 11% | |
| 1980s | 3 | 11% | |
| 1990s | 8 | 30% | |
| 2000s | 12 | 44% | |
| 2010s | 0 | 0% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Trevor Pinnock / The English Concert | 3 | 11% | |
| Musica Amphion / Pieter-Jan Belder | 2 | 7% | |
| Aldo Ciccolini | 2 | 7% | |
| Maria-João Pires | 1 | 4% | |
| Coull Quartet | 1 | 4% | |
| Emma Kirkby | 1 | 4% | |
| Orpheus Chamber Orchestra | 1 | 4% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
9 | 33% | |
 |
3 | 11% | |
| |
3 | 11% | |
 |
2 | 7% | |
 |
2 | 7% | |
 |
2 | 7% | |
 |
1 | 4% | |
| Show all | |||
Favorite Classical CDs chart changes
| New entries |
|---|
 Debussy: L'Oeuvre Pour Pianoby Aldo Ciccolini |
Favorite Classical CDs similarity to your chart(s)
Not a member? Registering is quick, easy and FREE!
Why register?
Join a passionate community of over 50,000 music fans.- Create & share your own charts.
- Have your say in the overall rankings.
- Post comments in the forums and vote on polls.
- Comment on or rate any album, artist, track or chart.
- Discover new music & improve your music collection.
- Customise the overall chart using a variety of different filters & metrics.
- Create a wishlist of albums.
- Help maintain the BEA database.
- Earn member points and gain access to increasing levels of functionality!
- ... And lots more!
Register now - it only takes a moment!
Other custom charts by NickVolos
If you enjoy our site, please consider supporting us by sparing a few seconds to disable your ad blocker.
A lot of hard work happens in the background to keep BEA running, and it's especially difficult to do this when we can't pay our hosting fees :(
We work very hard to ensure our site is as fast (and FREE!) as possible, and we respect your privacy.
A lot of hard work happens in the background to keep BEA running, and it's especially difficult to do this when we can't pay our hosting fees :(
We work very hard to ensure our site is as fast (and FREE!) as possible, and we respect your privacy.
