Classical Best Versions
What Is The Very Best Version?
In a catalogue that lists over 200 recordings of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons", and even 60 versions of Orff's "Carmina Burana", which is the very best?
With the help of Gramophone, Penguin Stereo Guide, BBC Music, and our own ears, we have put together the definitive guide to the popular classics.
Here are a selection of recommended recordings that should find a place in everyone's collection.
Displaying items 1 to 40 of 224
ENESCU
String Quartets Nos 1 & 2 Ad Libitum Quartet [ Naxos / CD - released 1/May/2001 ] 2001 GRAMOPHONE AWARD FINALIST - Chamber |
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Shostakovich: The preludes and fugues Alexander Melnikov (piano) [ Harmonia Mundi / 2 CD - released 10/Apr/2015 ] "Melnikov unquestionably gives an impression of freshness and daring, as if he's discovering the music for the first time." (BBC Music Award WINNER 2011 - Instrumental) |
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Shostakovich: Piano Concertos nos.1 & 2 / Sonata for violin and piano op.134 Alexander Melnikov (piano) / Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Teodor Currentzis, with Isabelle Faust (violin) [ Harmonia Mundi / CD - released 20/Feb/2012 ] "He makes his case well. The First Concerto is all rampaging dissonances and erotic regret; the Second (1957) masks nerve-racking syncopations beneath its surface brilliance...[the sonata] a compelling performance in which logic and rhetoric combine... |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Violin Sonatas Vol 1 Alina Ibragimova (violin), Cédric Tiberghien (piano) [ Hyperion / 2 CD - released 1/Apr/2016 ] "It is difficult to imagine [these sonatas] better played" (Five Stars BBC Music) |
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Shostakovich: Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2 Alina Ibragimova (violin), State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia 'Evgeny Svetlanov', Vladimir Jurowski (conductor) [ Hyperion / CD - released 5/Jun/2020 ] GRAMOPHONE Award WINNER 2021 - Concerto BBC Music Award Nomination 2021 - Concerto |
JOHANNES BRAHMS / ANTONIN DVORAK / JOSEPH HAYDN
String Quartets: Brahms Nos.1-3; Dvořák No.12 'American'; Haydn Op.76/3 'Emperor' Amadeus Quartet [ Alto / CD - released 17/Feb/2023 ] "I'm struck afresh by the power, precision and sheer puissance of their music-making … The Brahms quartet recordings remain 'outstanding'; affectionate but free of affection, considered yet vitally spontaneous" [Dvořák]: "strongly conceived, full of... |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Partitas BWV825-BWV830 Andras Schiff (piano) [ ECM Records / 2 CD - released 1/Apr/2009 ] MARBECKS STAFF PICK: CD OF THE YEAR 2009 MUSICWEB UK RECORDING OF THE MONTH "Schiff's…unashamedly and masterfully pianistic, contrasting sustained tone and light staccato teasing out fragmentary motifs." BBC Music |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier Books 1 & 2 Andras Schiff (piano) [ ECM New Series / 4 CD Box Set - released 20/Sep/2012 ] GRAMOPHONE AWARD FINALIST 2013: Instrumental |
J.S. BACH
Goldberg Variations Andras Schiff (piano) [ ECM Records / CD - released 5/Oct/2003 ] ""Great" is not a word to be used casually when it comes to CDs, but no other term does justice. Lucidity, elegance and strength are all here and exquisitely balanced. The definitive Goldberg? As far as I'm concerned, yes." Ann Picard, Independent... |
GIUSEPPE VERDI
Verdi: Aida (complete opera recorded in 2015) Anja Harteros, Jonas Kaufmann, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Ludovic Tézier, Erwin Schrott / Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Antonio Pappano [ Warner Classics / 2 CD - released 2/Oct/2015 ] BBC Music Magazine Awards 2016 WINNER - RECORDING OF THE YEAR |
C.P.E. BACH
Bach (C.P.E.): Cello Concertos, Symphonies Anner Bylsma (cello) / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment / Gustav Leonhardt [ Erato Veritas / 2 CD - released 5/Jul/2000 ] [Cello Concertos Wq.170-2] 'It is difficult to imagine a better partnership to provide authentic versions of these three fine works.' Penguin Guide |
FELIX MENDELSSOHN / MAX BRUCH
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto / Bruch: Violin Concerto No 1 Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin) / Berlin Philharmonic, Herbert von Karajan [ Deutsche Grammophon The Originals / CD - released 1/Apr/2002 ] "Anne-Sophie Mutter's approach communicates vividly to the listener, creating the feeling of hearing the work anew" Penguin Guide to Compact Discs) |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K622 / Oboe Concerto In C major, K314 Anthony Pay (clarinet) Michel Piguet (oboe) / The Academy of Ancient Music / Christopher Hogwood [ Decca / CD - released 9/Mar/2007 ] "Anthony Pay's basset clarinet adds wonderfully oily low notes and his playing has all the range, clarity and vigour needed to bring this well-known work to new life." (KC) |
FRANZ SCHUBERT
Solo Piano Works: Sonata In E Major D157 / Sonata In G Major D894 / etc Arcadi Volodos (piano) [ Sony Classics / CD - released 18/Mar/2002 ] 1001 Classical recordings to hear before you die (1801-1850) - Gramophone Magazine - Recording of the month (June 2002) |
TERRY RILEY
In C Ars Nova Copenhagen / Percurama Percussion Ensemble / Paul Hillier [ DaCapo / CD - released 1/Mar/2007 ] Terry Riley's 1964 masterpiece "In C" is probably the first masterpiece of US minimalism. From Paul Hillier of Hilliard Ensemble reknown comes a new version of this semi-improvised piece performed by mallet percussion and voices. |
J.S. BACH
Violin Sonatas and Partitas Arthur Grumiaux (violin) Egida Giordani Sartori (harpsichord) [ Philips Originals / 2 CD - released 15/Apr/2006 ] 1001 Recordings to hear before you die - "Grumiaux comes closer than any other violinist I have heard to an ideal performance ..There is a kind of honesty to Bach's intentions here...that I find deeply impressive and often very exciting." Gramophone |
SERGEI RACHMANINOV
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No 4 (with Ravel - Piano Concerto in G) Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano) / Philharmonia Orchestra, Ettore Gracis [ Warner Classics Original Jacket Reissues / CD - released 20/Apr/2015 ] 1001 Classical recordings you must hear before you die (1901-1950) 50 GREATEST RECORDINGS OF ALL TIME (No 18) - BBC MUSIC |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Overtures (Four Orchestral Suites) Bach Collegium Japan / Masaaki Suzuki [ BIS SACD / 2 Hybrid SACD - released 1/Aug/2005 ] "These performances are magnificent, and offering two SACDs for the price of one makes them a good deal too. Suzuki does more than just play the music very well: he evokes its purpose, social milieu, and lavishness of content in such a way that... |
ANTONIN DVORAK
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, From the New World / Symphonic Variations Op. 78 Baltimore Symphony Orchestra / Marin Alsop [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Jul/2008 ] "The Largo is given one of the most perfectly shaped and unaffectedly styraightforward performances I have heard, led by a magnificently vocal cor anglais solo." Disc of the Month (BBC Music Magazine July 2008) |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Requiem KV 626 Barbara Bonney, Anne Sofie Von Otter, Willard White / Monteverdi Choir / English Baroque / Sir John Eliot Gardiner [ Philips / CD - released 12/Dec/2005 ] "John Elliot Gardiner with characteristic panache gives one of the most powerful performances on record" *** Three Stars. Penguin Stereo Guide. |
J. S. BACH
Bach Transcriptions (arrangements by great composers) BBC Philharmonic / Leonard Slatkin [ Chandos Classics / CD - released 5/Jul/2000 ] Editor's Choice - Gramophone Magazine (Oct 2000) - Five Stars (*****) Classic CD (Oct 2000) |
GUSTAV HOLST
Holst: The Planets / Egdon Heath BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, Andrew Davis [ Warner Classics Apex / CD - released 1/Apr/2016 ] 1001 Classical recordings you must hear before you die (1901-1950) "An unmissable opportunity to test fresh musical waters....price, presentation and repertory selections, all are bang on target." Gramophone Magazine |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Goldberg Variations Beatrice Rana (piano) [ Warner Classics / CD - released 1/Mar/2017 ] "Her detailing is one of the aspects that makes this performance so compelling, be it the bringing out of a new line in the repeat, subtle changes in phrasing, a touch of pedal - examples are to be found in every single variation." Gramophone |
EDWARD GRIEG
Grieg: Holberg Suite / Two Elegiac Melodies / Two Lyric Pieces / etc Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra / Ole Kristian Ruud (conductor) [ BIS SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 1/Nov/2005 ] "This is simply the most beautiful record of Grieg's string music in the catalogue, and one of the most beautiful and realistic recordings of strings we have ever heard. Try and hear the disc on SACD equipment with four speakers, and you will be... |
PYOTR Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake / Nutcracker / Sleeping Beauty (Ballet Suites) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Mstislav Rostropovich. [ Deutsche Grammophon The Originals / CD - released 5/May/2001 ] 'Rostropovich's trypich of Tchaikovsky ballets is very special. The remastering, always outstanding. Now approaches demonstration standard. 69 minutes of sheer joy.' - Rosette (highest rating) Penguin Guide |
W.A. MOZART
Cosi fan tutte (Complete opera) Bernarda Fink (soprano) Veronique Gens (soprano) Werner Gura (tenor) Marcel Boone (baritone) / Concerto Koln / Rene Jacobs [ Harmonia Mundi Mozart Edition / 3 CD - released 1/Oct/2005 ] "The bite and clarity of the orchestral playing are revelatory...Once again, this greatest of operas amazes and beguiles. We scarcely need another recording...but this is one I would not willingly be without, especially because of the singers'... |
BELA BARTOK
Bartok: Miraculous Mandarin (The) (Complete Ballet) / Hungarian Pictures / Dance Suite Bournemouth Symphony Chorus / Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra / Marin Alsop, conductor [ Naxos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 17/Apr/2005 ] "There's really no reason not to acquire this CD" International record review (June 2005) |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1 - 4 / Quintet for piano & winds Dennis Brain (horn) / Dennis Brain Wind Ensemble / Philharmonia Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan [ Warner Classics Masters / CD - released 13/Feb/2012 ] 'Truly an all-time classic. Timelessly neat and elegant orchestral playing under Karajan accompanies Dennis Brain's flawless and characterful horn playing.' ('The Gramophone' Good CD Guide, 2005) |
FRANZ SCHUBERT
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Complete Schubert Edition: Schubert and Death Brigitte Fassbaender (mezzo soprano) Graham Johnson (piano) [ Hyperion Schubert Edition Vol 11 / CD - released 15/May/2005 ] GUARDIAN BEST OF THE YEAR CLASSIC CD TOP 100 CDs OF ALL TIME |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Missae Breves (Lutheran Masses) - BWV233, BWV234, BWV235 and BWV236 Cantus Colln / Konrad Junghanel [ Harmonia Mundi Gold / 2 CD - released 1/Mar/2018 ] "Konrad Junghänel brings finesse and clarity to the music, but there is also plenty of excitement… Cantus Cölln's unity of approach between voices and instruments is outstanding." BBC Music Magazine, October 2008 |
MICHAEL HAYDN
Haydn, (M.): Requiem & Mass Carolyn Sampson (soprano) Hilary Summers (alto) James Gilchrist (tenor) Peter Harvey (bass) / King's Consort / Robert King [ Hyperion / 2 CD - released 13/Apr/2005 ] "King and his forces give the Mass a satisfyingly spirited performance, but these discs are memorable for their fine recording of Michael Haydn's astonishing Requiem. This must be one of my records of the year and I do urge you to buy it." -... |
MOZART / ROSSINI / DONIZETTI
Cecilia & Bryn: Duets Cecilia Bartoli (soprano) Bryn Terfel (bass) / Orchestra dell'Accademia di Santa [ Decca Records / CD - released 2/May/2001 ] The world's leading mezzo-soprano and the world's greatest baritone combine! |
VICTORIA
O magnum mysterium Choir of Westminster Cathedral / David Hill (conductor) [ Hyperion / CD - released 25/May/2005 ] GRAMOPHONE CRITICS' CHOICE 'Superb music, and the listener is thrillingly involved when the sound so successfully combines immediacy and body, yet remains admirably coloured by the Westminster resonance' (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs) |
MAURICE DURUFLE
Durufle: Requiem / Quatre Motets / Messe cum Jubilo / etc Choir of Westminster Cathedral / James O'Donnell (conductor) with Aaron Webber (treble) and Simon Keenlyside (baritone) [ Hyperion / CD - released 25/May/2005 ] 'The Westminster Cathedral boys and men carry the lyricism and harmonic luxuriance to an ethereal plane. The choral singing is superb ... helping one to bathe in Duruflé's sumptuous ideas' (The Daily Telegraph) |
GUSTAV MAHLER
Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde Christa Ludwig, Fritz Wunderlich / Philharmonia & New Philharmonia, Otto Klemperer [ Warner Classics Original Jacket Reissues / CD - released 22/Aug/2015 ] 1001 Classical recordings you must hear before you die (1901-1950) - "....not likely to be outshone for a long time" (Gramophone) |
GUSTAV MAHLER
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Mahler: Symphony No. 9 in D major / Kindertotenlieder / Rückert-Lieder Christa Ludwig (mezzo) / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan [ Deutsche Grammophon / 2 CD - released 10/Oct/2014 ] "Certainly this is the finest live performance of a Mahler symphony to have appeared on any kind of record since Mengelberg's 1939 account of the Fourth Symphony." Gramophone Top Ten Mahler Symphonies of all time |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Requiem in D minor, K626 Christine Schafer (sop) Bernarda Fink (mezzo) Kurt Streit (tenor) Gerald Finley (baritone) / Vienna Concentus Musicus / Nikolaus Harnoncourt [ Deutsche Harmonia Mundi / CD - released 2/Jul/2004 ] "Subtle realism imbues Harnoncourt's deeply considered second recording" Editor's Choice Gramophone July 2004 |
SERGEI PROKOFIEV / ALEXANDER GLAZUNOV
Prokofiev: Cinderella (Complete Ballet) / Glazunov: The Seasons Cleveland Orchestra / Royal Philharmonic / Vladimir Ashkenazy [ Double Decca / 2 CD - released 12/Jul/2000 ] "Ashkenazy gets excellent results from the Cleveland orchestra. The recording's fine definition is enchanced, yet not at the expense of atmosphere, and the bright, vivid image is given striking projection." (Penguin Stereo Guide) |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik / Serenata Notturna / etc Concert des Nations, Jordi Savall [ Alia Vox SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 30/May/2008 ] "Savall sets some brisk tempos, particularly for the slow movement of Eine kleine Nachtmusik, but they're convincing. …it's vivid playing from everyone, well defined in outline and responding imaginatively to the varied character of Mozart's music." |
HENRYK GORECKI
Gorecki: Symphony No. 3 'Symphony of Sorrowful Songs' Dawn Upshaw (soprano) / London Symphony / David Zinman [ Nonesuch Records / CD - released 26/Jun/1992 ] This is an outstanding rendition of Gorecki's Third, capturing the feeling of growing hope and joy that can ultimately break from the shackles of sorrow. Zinman and the London Sinfonietta really understand the mood and philosophy of this piece, and... |
