Now let’s march into our nearest record store and pick these up. But wait. There are 20 different versions of “The Four Seasons.” And twice as many variations of “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.” How do you know which are good and which aren’t? Is there even such a thing as a bad classical music recording?
Well yes and no. Classical music is all about interpretation. And that job falls to the conductor. Of course the musical skills of the orchestra are important as well, but the conductor is ultimately the one leading the show. Here is a list of some of the better-known conductors. Of course, this is but a few of the wonderful conductors who have recorded but one has to start somewhere.
Herbert von Karajan
Daniel Barenboim
Michael Tilson Thomas
Charles Dutoit
Sir Neville Marriner
Andre Previn
Still overwhelmed? Then let me give you some specific information. These are recordings which I particularly enjoy.
“The Four Seasons” – conducted by Sir Neville Marriner leading the Academy of St. Martin-In-The-Fields, soloist Alan Loveday
“Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” – conducted by Herbert von Karajan leading the Berlin Philharmonic
“Carnival of the Animals” – conducted by Richard Stamp leading the Academy of London (this CD also has “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” on it – two recommendations for the price of one!)
I truly hope that you will give classical music a listen. After all, if people are still enjoying it hundreds of years after it was written, well there must be something to it!