State-of-the-Art Recordings of Classical Works (SACDs)

[Yuen A.]

Prokofiev: Sonata for Flute and Piano Op. 94, Schubert: Variations "Trockne Blumen" D.802, Dutilleux: Sonatina, Jolivet: Chant de Linos
Sharon Bezaly (flute) Ronald Brautigam (piano) BIS-SACD-1429

Wow, Bezaly plays seductively here while Brautigam has a mix of passion and power. As flute recordings go, these recordings really does capture the velvet and steel of the instrument.

 

[Yuen A.]

Verdi Messa Da Requiem Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Riccardo Muti Chicago Symphony Chorus, Duane Wolfe directing; Barbara Frittoli, Olga Borodina, Mario Zeffiri and Ildar Abdrazakov (vocal soloists) CSO-Resound CSOR 901 1008 SACD (A Relisten)

This is the best and the most insightful, dynamic, effortless, transparent, heartbreaking, atmospheric and nuance recording of the Verdi Messa Da Requiem in my collection! The soundscape is immense. The orchestra, chorus and soloists sounded real and three-dimensional. It imparts a you-are-there feeling. Play very loud.

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[Yuen A.]

Robert Schummann Symphonies No. 1 & 2 Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Lawrence Foster PentaTone Classics PTC 5186 326 SACD

A wonderful interpretation, performance and recording of the Symphony No. 1 by Lawrence Foster and the Czech Philharmonic. The sound is lifelike, airy and resonant.

 

[Yuen A.]

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor & Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Denis Matsuev (piano)
The Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre/Valery Gergiev MARIINSKY MAR 0548 SACD (A Relisten)

Wow, probably the best performances/recordings of the piano concertos nos. 1 & 2. The orchestra and the piano sounded like the real thing!

 

[Yuen A.]

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto no.1 in B flat minor op.23 Nikolai Karlovich MEDTNER Piano Concerto no.1 in C minor op.33
Liebliches Kind!, from Nine Goethe Songs op.6 (transcribed for solo piano by Yevgeny Sudbin) Yevgeny Sudbin (piano) Sāo Paulo Symphony Orchestra/John Neschling BIS SACD-1588

A world-class performance by Neschling/Sāo Paulo Symphony. Sudbin's playing was stunning, virtuosic and sensitive. Via my sound system, the orchestra and piano sounded real!