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.
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15. (=)
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This is a really good double CD of some of Albinoni's best music, very well performed by the invariably excellent Academy of Ancient Music under the Christopher Hogwood. This is rather underrated music, I think. It's certainly much more than the pleasant baroque wallpaper which many people think Albinoni to be. The adagio of Op.9 No.2, for example, is one of the loveliest movements I know in a baroque concerto. These are very fine performances, too, which bring out the verve, joy and sheer beauty of these concertos. Andrew Manze is always brilliant, but the oboists are also excellent. Frank de Bruine in particular has a lovely, flowing, effortless sound and I find that I prefer this set to my old CM90/Standage set with Anthony Robson, who by comparison seems a little plodding in his articulation and phrasing. It isn't surprising that Andrew Manze and Christopher Hogwood, two real giants of Baroque performance, should bring something special to these concerti and the playing of Frank de Bruine is a real bonus. It's a lovely set and very warmly recommended. (Sid Nuncius, Amazon Customer Review)
The quality of performance from Hogwood and company are flawless and near perfecton as usual. I can fully recomend this recording to fans of Albinoni or Baroque music in general. Andrew Manze is amazing and I hope these guys continue to record all the major works of Albinoni on period instruments. One thing besides the praise of this album is that both Op.7 and Op.9 have been recorded by Simon Standage and the Collegium Musicum 90 several years ago. Their performances are just as good and deserve just as much credit. Critics probably forgot to mention that this territory was in fact previously charted. (David Ohai, Amazon Customer Review) [First added to this chart: 11/10/2013]
The quality of performance from Hogwood and company are flawless and near perfecton as usual. I can fully recomend this recording to fans of Albinoni or Baroque music in general. Andrew Manze is amazing and I hope these guys continue to record all the major works of Albinoni on period instruments. One thing besides the praise of this album is that both Op.7 and Op.9 have been recorded by Simon Standage and the Collegium Musicum 90 several years ago. Their performances are just as good and deserve just as much credit. Critics probably forgot to mention that this territory was in fact previously charted. (David Ohai, Amazon Customer Review) [First added to this chart: 11/10/2013]
Year of Release:
1999
Appears in:
Rank in 1999:
None
Rank in 1990s:
None
Average Rating:
Comments:
0
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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:
2
Rank in 1993:
Rank in 1990s:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 2. Page 1 of 1
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Favorite Classical CDs composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 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 | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Trevor Pinnock / The English Concert | 3 | 11% | |
| Aldo Ciccolini | 2 | 7% | |
| Musica Amphion / Pieter-Jan Belder | 2 | 7% | |
| Jean-Philippe Collard / Augustin Dumay / Frédéric Lodéon / Michel Debost / Le Quatuor Parrenin | 1 | 4% | |
| Quatuor Mosaïques | 1 | 4% | |
| Jakob Lindberg | 1 | 4% | |
| Alban Berg Quartett | 1 | 4% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
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9 | 33% | |
| |
3 | 11% | |
 |
3 | 11% | |
 |
2 | 7% | |
 |
2 | 7% | |
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2 | 7% | |
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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)
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