Top Ten Favorite Classical Records.

Everyone has their list of favorite albums.  May not be organized in a top ten, but I can ask anyone to tell me five recordings that changed them, and they can answer, pretty quickly in most cases.    These albums, are firmly planted in our minds, we remember where we were when we first heard the sounds burst free from our speakers.    They grip our consciousness, and for that small time while we listen we are enraptured, transported, and ultimately transformed by the experience.   Our world is shaken, and things will never be the same.

Later on I will do my Top Ten, non classical recordings list, but for now, let's just keep it to Classical.   

10).  Romantic Piano Concertos Volume 50:  Tchaikovsky

I will be upfront, I was never a big fan of Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto.   It was overplayed, and most of the time played badly or uninspired.  That was until I heard Stephen Hough.   I was lucky enough to see him in concert play the first with the Indianapolis Symphony.   I was blown away, by the power, passion, and his graceful, clean sound.   I went out to get the recording almost immediately.   I was in luck, it sounded just like the concert.   I always worry, that a record will be over engineered.   And a further bonus,  He plays the lesser played, but just as brilliant 2nd and 3rd concertos as well as the unknown concert fantasy.  Just and overall delight of Russian romantic piano music.

9). Karol Szymanowski: Piano Sonata No. 3; Métopes; Masques

For a long time, I thought I could not enjoy more modern classical music.  To me, it sounded weird, ugly, and missed the epic grandeur that I loved in the Romantic works.   Piotr Anderszewski's account of polish composer Karol Szymanowski changed my mind.  I found myself curious about the pieces, probing into their structures, and just listening for what happened next.  Whether it was the pianist, or just the right time I feel that Anderszwski had a sound that was both intellectual, curious, and daring.

8.) Leonard Bernstein: Beethoven The Complete Symphonies

I have since listening to this recording, heard the Beethoven Symphonies many times.  Sometimes I enjoy the recordings more, but this was the first time I heard all of Beethoven Symphonies, and really took time to listen to more then the 5th.   Bernstein's energy and enthusiasm for the music is infectious.   The recording, is loud and energetic.  It always got my blood pumping.   It is hard to not still sing BUM BUM BUM BUUUUMMMM, and conduct to my imaginary orchestra, when his fifth symphony begins to play.

7.) Christopher O'Riley: True Love Rates

I debated whether to put this on my list of classical recordings.  Considering it is transcriptions of the music of Radiohead, but transcriptions have been part of classical since day one.  With the Liszt Schubert song transcriptions coming to mind.  I feel this recording is not any different.  Presenting music that is popular today. Also, I am including some of these transcriptions in my own recitals later on this year.  O'Riley definitely has an impressive resume, and brings many of these Radiohead songs to life for classical audiences.  What is more amazing, is while virtuosic, all of the songs line up perfectly with their original counterparts.   Paying tribute to what made those songs special, only taking liberties with the scope of the harmonies being used.

6). Murray Perahia: Mozart The Complete Piano Concertos

Murray Perahia is one of my all time favorite pianists.   He has a sense of control that can rarely be matched.   That is exactly what is on full display in his recordings of the Mozart concertos.   These recordings capture everything, the graceful nimbleness needed for Mozart, a pure sounding tone, and balanced orchestra.   I was unable to just choose one CD, so luckily for me they finally released a box set with all the concertos included.   

5). Jon Nakamtasu: Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3/Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

I love Jon Nakamatsu's playing.  he was the first pianist I got to see playing in concert, and was the first time I heard a piano play with an orchestra.  The experience has stuck with me, and I remember it fondly. His recording of Rachmaninov's tough 3rd piano concerto is great.  It may not have some of the power as other recordings, but the passion is there.  Bringing to life the sensuality in the piece, and bringing us through a breathtaking experience. 

4). Emanual Ax: The Brahms Concertos

Both concertos by Johannes Brahms are gargantuan, some of the longest in the standard repertoire.  Presenting many challenges for the piano as well as orchestra.   In these concertos, the piano is more part of the orchestra, instead of the usual confrontation between the two.   No one get's that better then Emanual Ax.   His piano sometimes sneaks out of the orchestra, and always feels one with the sound being created.   There are many great delicate moments as well as the big show stopping ones. I always find it hard to not let a tear come to my eye when listening to these pieces.  They tell a story, that is very close to my heart, and never fails to move me.

3). The Pianist Soundtrack

I remember a few moments from the film "The Pianist" staring Adrien Brody.  All of them feature the piano, and though there was few piano scenes in the movie.  It was evident, despite some small issues, that the director had respect the that the instrument played in his character's life.  Whether the scene where the protagonist must play for the German officer while he is starving and frozen, or the glorious credits, that feature Chopin in full glory.   They are all captured here, on CD, letting me enjoy those moments without having to watch the movie.  On here is some truely great recordings of known Chopin pieces, some like the Grande Polonaise or The famous G minor Ballad, but also smaller intimate works , a few nocturnes, mazurkas.   

2). Horowitz: Live and Unedited

Legendary Vladimir Horowitz's 65 return concert.   While, his playing may have not been at his best technically.  He was dealing with nerves, and coming out of a 12 year retirement.  His passion and power are electrifying. From the very first few opening bars of his Bach, to the last powerful chords of Chopin's G minor prelude, this recording is just exciting.  Horowitz was always great and being and excellent showman, and his interpretations are always worth listening to.   This is a great recording to hear why he was considered one of the best.

Transcriptions, soundtracks, and lot's of piano, these recordings shaped how I listen and enjoy classical music.  Each one is special to me.   So what could be No. 1 in my mind?   I thought about this, and the answer was simple.  Drum roll please.....

1). Murray Perahia: Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor"

I spoke before that Murray Perehia is one of my all time favorite pianists to listen to.   I also should admit, that I have an obsession with Beethoven's "Emperor" Piano concerto.   It represents everything I love from music.   A brilliant structure, that only Beethoven could come up with, a grandiose sound, exciting moments, and intimate sensuality.  Beethoven paints a picture of humanity as a whole.  Capturing everything we feel. Perahia is the Perfect choice for this piece.  Once again, his control is on full display, but the music is still exciting.   Tempos feel perfect, and the slow movement touching.   It is not and exclamation of sadness, but rather a celebration of the journey that is our lives.

I would love to hear what other people have as their top ten, so please leave a comment below!   Subscribe or Follow on facebook at www.facebook.com/jdhpiano