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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Over a period of almost 30 years, Dvořák's output of chamber music was prolific and diverse, composing more than 40 works for ensembles with strings.
In 1860 just after he finished his education at the Organ school, Dvořák composed his String Quintet No. 1 in A minor, Op. 1. Two more would follow, of which the String Quintet No. 2 in G major, Op. 77 from early 1875, is noteworthy for the use of a double bass. It was written for a chamber music competition sponsored by the Umělecká beseda (Artistic Circle), where it was unanimously awarded the prize of five ducats for the "distinction of theme, the technical skill in polyphonic composition, the mastery of form and the knowledge of the instruments" displayed.The String Quintet No.3 in E♭major, Op. 97, with a second viola added, was written near the end of his output for chamber ensemble during his American period in 1893, when he spent a summer holiday in Spillville, Iowa.
Within a year after completing his first string quintet, Dvořák completed his String Quartet No. 1 in A major, Op. 2, the first of his fourteen string quartets. Though his grasp of composition skills is better than in the previous quintet, Dvořák had difficulty in restraining himself, resulting in an over-long composition.[75] In the 1880s Dvořák made a list of compositions he had destroyed, which lists two quartets and 2 other quartets. He may well have destroyed the scores, but only after the instrumental parts had been copied out. The number of errors in the parts makes it highly unlikely that he actually had them played. The quartets numbered 2 to 4 were probably composed between 1868 and 1870 and show the strong influence of the music of Richard Wagner.[citation needed] Although Dvořák discarded these quartets, he saved an Andante religioso from his fourth quartet, to which he gave a new life five years later in his second string quintet Op. 77, as a second movement named Intermezzo: Nocturne, making this a five-movement composition. (more on wikipedia) [First added to this chart: 11/07/2013]
In 1860 just after he finished his education at the Organ school, Dvořák composed his String Quintet No. 1 in A minor, Op. 1. Two more would follow, of which the String Quintet No. 2 in G major, Op. 77 from early 1875, is noteworthy for the use of a double bass. It was written for a chamber music competition sponsored by the Umělecká beseda (Artistic Circle), where it was unanimously awarded the prize of five ducats for the "distinction of theme, the technical skill in polyphonic composition, the mastery of form and the knowledge of the instruments" displayed.The String Quintet No.3 in E♭major, Op. 97, with a second viola added, was written near the end of his output for chamber ensemble during his American period in 1893, when he spent a summer holiday in Spillville, Iowa.
Within a year after completing his first string quintet, Dvořák completed his String Quartet No. 1 in A major, Op. 2, the first of his fourteen string quartets. Though his grasp of composition skills is better than in the previous quintet, Dvořák had difficulty in restraining himself, resulting in an over-long composition.[75] In the 1880s Dvořák made a list of compositions he had destroyed, which lists two quartets and 2 other quartets. He may well have destroyed the scores, but only after the instrumental parts had been copied out. The number of errors in the parts makes it highly unlikely that he actually had them played. The quartets numbered 2 to 4 were probably composed between 1868 and 1870 and show the strong influence of the music of Richard Wagner.[citation needed] Although Dvořák discarded these quartets, he saved an Andante religioso from his fourth quartet, to which he gave a new life five years later in his second string quintet Op. 77, as a second movement named Intermezzo: Nocturne, making this a five-movement composition. (more on wikipedia) [First added to this chart: 11/07/2013]
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A bargin box containing excellent recordings of the majority of Faure's chamber music - the major omission is the ensemble version of 'La Bonne Chanson' - this issue is self recommending. If the versions here are not the finest in the catalogue, they are all excellent performances which will give a great deal of pleasure.
Christian Ferras' versions of the violin sonatas are delightful though, perhaps, not quite as insightful as those by Isabelle Faust on Harmonia Mundi. Tortelier and Heidsieck give us splendid interpretations of the cello music and the Bernede Quartet a most enjoyable one of the string quartet. The latter are joined by Samson Francois in the first Piano Quartet. Jean-Phillippe Collard and Parrenin Quartet give us the second and the two Piano Quintets - all delightful, subtle, performances of this elusive music.
The final disc is given over to the Piano Trio - an excellent performance - and a selection of short solo pieces for violin and flute with piano. It ends with some music for piano four hands including the original versions of the 'Dolly Suite' and the first movement of 'Masques et Bergamasques'. The whole disc forms a delightful anthology in its own right and brings a fine anthology to a fitting conclusion.
The sound quality is generally excellent but some of the works - recorded in the cavernous Salle Wagram in Paris - are arguably more closely miked than would have been ideal. On balance this is a finer economy Faure chamber music collection than that on Brilliant Classics and one that will give great pleasure. Highly recommended. (J. Gibbons, Amazon UK Customer Review) [First added to this chart: 12/09/2013]
Christian Ferras' versions of the violin sonatas are delightful though, perhaps, not quite as insightful as those by Isabelle Faust on Harmonia Mundi. Tortelier and Heidsieck give us splendid interpretations of the cello music and the Bernede Quartet a most enjoyable one of the string quartet. The latter are joined by Samson Francois in the first Piano Quartet. Jean-Phillippe Collard and Parrenin Quartet give us the second and the two Piano Quintets - all delightful, subtle, performances of this elusive music.
The final disc is given over to the Piano Trio - an excellent performance - and a selection of short solo pieces for violin and flute with piano. It ends with some music for piano four hands including the original versions of the 'Dolly Suite' and the first movement of 'Masques et Bergamasques'. The whole disc forms a delightful anthology in its own right and brings a fine anthology to a fitting conclusion.
The sound quality is generally excellent but some of the works - recorded in the cavernous Salle Wagram in Paris - are arguably more closely miked than would have been ideal. On balance this is a finer economy Faure chamber music collection than that on Brilliant Classics and one that will give great pleasure. Highly recommended. (J. Gibbons, Amazon UK Customer Review) [First added to this chart: 12/09/2013]
Year of Release:
1979
Appears in:
Rank in 1979:
None
Rank in 1970s:
None
Average Rating:
Comments:
26. (=)
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[First added to this chart: 06/27/2014]
Year of Release:
1972
Appears in:
Rank in 1972:
None
Rank in 1970s:
None
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 3. 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% |
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
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9 | 33% | |
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3 | 11% | |
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3 | 11% | |
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2 | 7% | |
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2 | 7% | |
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2 | 7% | |
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1 | 4% | |
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Favorite Classical CDs chart changes
| New entries |
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 Debussy: L'Oeuvre Pour Pianoby Aldo Ciccolini |
Favorite Classical CDs similarity to your chart(s)
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