For the last several months I have been collecting some of the Composer sets that are popping up these days and I've been very happy with what they tend to offer. I'm talking about the large sets Brilliant Classics is known for, but that the more established labels seem to be finally offering as well. They are a great, inexpensive way to introduce yourself to lesser known pieces.
I know there are at least a couple other classical fans out there and I hope we can get a discussion going on the strengths and weaknesses of the various sets we have found. There have been threads on individual sets, but I'm not aware of an all encompassing one, which seems a lot more productive.
These are what I have so far...
Brilliant Classics
Johannes Brahms Complete Works (60 discs)
Haydn ("mini" 40 discs)
J. S. Bach Complete Works (155 discs)
Mozart Complete Works (170 discs)
Sony Music
Beethoven "Complete" Masterpieces (60 discs)
RCA/BMG Classics
Julian Bream Edition (28 discs) I bought this over 15 years ago, and it was NOT cheap
Artur Rubinstein/Chopin Collection (11 discs)
EMI
Aldo Ciccolini - Complete Recordings (56 discs)
Jacqueline DuPré - Complete Recordings (17 discs)
DG
Martha Argerich Collections 1 & 2 (15 discs)
Decca
Vivaldi Masterworks (40 discs)
I love being to pick out a disc and listen to something I have never heard before.
Some favorite discoveries...
Brahms' Piano Trio #1. Great piece of music, plus outstanding performance AND recording
2 and 4 hand piano versions of several normally orchestral pieces.
Beethoven Piano Trio based on Symphony #2. Actually, this is in the Beaux Arts Trio set of Beethoven Trios I have. Not on this list.
On the whole, there have been few low points. The overly fast Zinman Beethoven Symphonies would be one. Of course, there are those who consider that approach more "authentic". I just don't like it.
I know there are at least a couple other classical fans out there and I hope we can get a discussion going on the strengths and weaknesses of the various sets we have found. There have been threads on individual sets, but I'm not aware of an all encompassing one, which seems a lot more productive.
These are what I have so far...
Brilliant Classics
Johannes Brahms Complete Works (60 discs)
Haydn ("mini" 40 discs)
J. S. Bach Complete Works (155 discs)
Mozart Complete Works (170 discs)
Sony Music
Beethoven "Complete" Masterpieces (60 discs)
RCA/BMG Classics
Julian Bream Edition (28 discs) I bought this over 15 years ago, and it was NOT cheap
Artur Rubinstein/Chopin Collection (11 discs)
EMI
Aldo Ciccolini - Complete Recordings (56 discs)
Jacqueline DuPré - Complete Recordings (17 discs)
DG
Martha Argerich Collections 1 & 2 (15 discs)
Decca
Vivaldi Masterworks (40 discs)
I love being to pick out a disc and listen to something I have never heard before.
Some favorite discoveries...
Brahms' Piano Trio #1. Great piece of music, plus outstanding performance AND recording
2 and 4 hand piano versions of several normally orchestral pieces.
Beethoven Piano Trio based on Symphony #2. Actually, this is in the Beaux Arts Trio set of Beethoven Trios I have. Not on this list.
On the whole, there have been few low points. The overly fast Zinman Beethoven Symphonies would be one. Of course, there are those who consider that approach more "authentic". I just don't like it.