List of Best (Most Recommended) Classical Music in Surround Sound

[Lute]

Popov: Symphony No. 1 Op. 7, Shostakovich: Theme & Variations Op. 3

London Symphony Orchestra
Leon Botstein (conductor)

This is a wonderful release from TELARC of two lesser known works in immersive surround sound with discrete rear channels. Popov's symphony is a big scale, modern orchestral work. Although a bit intense, the music is quite accessible and has many beautiful passages. Shostakovich's Variations are much lighter. This charming work from his youth shows the influence of Brahms and Prokofiev. Leon Botstein and the London Symphony Orchestra give highly charged and beautiful performances. Definitely recommended for fans of Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, etc...

 

[Lute]

Bach, Liszt: Organ Works - Chorzempa (SACD)

Another winner from PentaTone with active rear channels. Most of the program focuses on J.S. Bach's popular works for pipe organ...namely his Tocccata and Fugue in D minor and his Passacaglia in C minor. Franz Liszt's set of variations provides an interesting contrast to the Baroque works of Bach. It reflects the Romantic era style of 19th century organ music while paying homage to the Baroque master. As with his excellent Handel Organ Concerto cycle, Daniel Chorzempa gives magnificent performances of these moving and powerful works.

 

[oxenholme]

The Image Of Melancholy [Berit Norbakken Solset, Jon Blake, Barokksolistene, Bjarte Eike] [BIS: BIS2057]



Very highly recommended. Superb recording. The rear speakers are not used just for ambiance - the listener is placed in the middle of the ensemble. Varied repertoire - it's a disc that I keep returning to regularly.

 

[oxenholme]

Bach: Orgeltranskriptionen - Martin Schmeding - ARS Produktion - ARS 38 109




A truly remarkable organ recording with a lot going on in the rear speakers. It includes a magnificent version of that Sinfonia from Cantata #29 that opens up Switched On Bach. Play it loud.

 

[Lute]

ZOFORBIT - ZOFO (Bluray)

Amazing performances of these piano pieces for 4 hands.

Immersive surround sound.

Here's some more on this...
http://secondinversion.org/2014/06/30/cd-review-zoforbit/

 

[Lute]

Debussy: Preludes Book II etc - Lewin (bluray)

Here's another superb release from Sono Luminus.

Michael Lewin gives an exquisite performance of Debussy's gorgeous piano music.

The immersive surround recording is very lifelike and has a wonderful depth.

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=1064281

 

[HOOKEVE]

You do not need a Dolby Atmos system to enjoy 3D surround...

 

[Lute]

Schumann: Symphonies No. 1 & 3 - Inbal (SACD)

Excellent, immersive surround sound on this 1970/71 vintage Quad reissue from PentaTone.

A young Eliahu Inbal and the Philharmonia Orchestra give lively, tight performances of these popular symphonies by Robert Schumann. If you're a fan of the powerful works of Beethoven and Brahms, then Schumann's exciting symphonies will be right up your alley.

 

[Lute]

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5 - Masur (SACD).

Solid "old" school performance of Beethoven's 5th. It has the weight and majesty one expects from the older generation of conductors while providing plenty of the tension and forward momentum. The 1972 Quad recording sounds great for its age. The rear channels are actively involved to make a deep, immersive soundstage.

Actually, all nine symphonies are available in a box set...http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006HSU5E/?tag=sacdinfocom-20

I haven't heard each one yet. Opinions of the 9th symphony are mixed, but these reissues have generally received favorable reviews. I am looking forward to collecting all of them.

 

[Lute]

KUNIKO plays Reich (SACD)

I thought I'd try to keep this thread going. :steering: And this recording seemed like a good one to add to the list.

It's modern and a little repetitive, but soooooo cool!

Meditative is good way to describe the mood.

And best of all... the rear channels are discrete and very active. The listener is placed in the middle of the music. It's fantastic!

Here's a sample...https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NwQwfaTv6OI

Here's an informative article on Reich... http://www.theguardian.com/music/tomserviceblog/2012/oct/22/steve-reich-contemporary-music-guide

 

[Lute]

Hans-Ola Ericsson - The Four Beasts' Amen (SACD)

Amazing! If you're into contemporary Classical music for pipe organ, this one is definitely worth checking out. It starts out with a traditional piece that pays homage to the Baroque master, Matthias Weckmann. But everything soon changes after that. Electronics are added and transform this disc into a journey of spacey calm punctuated by dramatic outbursts. The final pieces include percussion and soprano voice.

The surround mix is fantastic! The rear channels are discrete and very active.

Here's an in depth review... http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2006/July06/EricssoBISSACD1486.htm

 

[Lute]

Ferdinand Ries - Symphonies 7 & 8

Zurich Chamber Orchestra
Howard Griffiths (conductor)

Excellent performances of these symphonies by Ferdinand Ries. As a student of Beethoven, Ries's symphonies naturally have a strong dose of Beethoven's symphonic style. Even so, he was still able to find his own voice and write some wonderful music.

CPO's surround sound is first class. The mix is naturally immersive with the rears actively involved...not über discrete, though.

Highly recommended for fans of the symphonies of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann...

Here's some further reading...http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Feb04/Ries78.htm

 

[Lute]

The Wonders of the World - An English Masque (SACD)

Miriam Allen (soprano)
Echo du Danube

This is an imaginative recreation of an English Masque, a large dance party at the royal court. The music is from the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. The songs are beautifully sung by Miriam Allen who is given excellent support from the ensemble Echo du Danube. Very good recording, too. The rear channels are active and discrete! Highly recommended for fans of early Classical music.

 

[Lute]

Gustav Mahler - Symphonies nos. 1-7

Lucerne Festival Orchestra
Claudio Abbado (conductor)

 

[edisonbaggins]

Just enjoyed the ever-lovin crap out of this ma' frigguh. YMMV. YOLO/YODO.

 

[ji eff]

Ravel: La Valse, Ma mère l'Oye, Tzigane, Boléro, Pavane (SACD & Blu-Ray)

View attachment 24567

Read more about it, here: https://www.quadraphonicquad.com/fo...eases-General-Discussion)&p=277431#post277431

Highly recommended!

 

[Lute]

This thread's been a little quiet, so I'll give it a bump with...

John Corigliano: Symphony No. 3 "Circus Maximus" (2004), Gazebo Dances (1972)

University of Texas Wind Ensemble
Jerry Junkin

It's modern classical music, so these pieces are not your traditional Beethoven or Vivaldi type of classical music. These are works for an ensemble of woodwind and brass. The music is playful, quirky, and at times powerful and dramatic. The University of Texas Wind Ensemble give an amazing performance of these pieces. The recording is also fantastic. Very immersive with discrete use of the surrounds.

Here are a couple of in depth reviews...

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=531739

 

[Gmat25]

Are these discrete or "venue ambience" type surround remixes?

Definitely discrete!

 

[Gmat25]

Loving the TACET'S Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1-9 on 3 bluray discs. Wonderfully discrete like all of Tacet's DVDA's. SACD's, and audio Blurays!

 

[fredblue]

Definitely discrete!

That's what I like! Thanks :upthumb

Once I'm off my Quad vinyl trip I'll be all over these like a rash!