Classical music recomendations.

The most similar composer to Paganini (that is assuming you meant to imply you wanted music like his) is probably Chopin. Both romantic era virtuosos showcasing individual instrument prowess that has rarely been matched.

In general, for my money Debussy is the most 'consistent' 'classical' composer, La Mer, Nocturnes, Claire De Lune, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Fawn, and many more all excellent works that teach one to have an ear for more than just blatant melody, but texture and impressionism as well
 
The most similar composer to Paganini (that is assuming you meant to imply you wanted music like his) is probably Chopin. Both romantic era virtuosos showcasing individual instrument prowess that has rarely been matched.

Can't agree with you on this. Chopin had quite the skill in composition compared to Paganini. There's no doubt on the virtuoso part though... :rolleyes:
 
good stuff for classical shreddage is russian folk music, full to the brim. if you can get hold of a piece called "Fantasy on two folk songs" by Budashkin, take a listen, even in the slow bits they are trem picking, an entire orchestra of balalaikas speed picking, its awesome :D

listen to the sample of track 1
 
Sorabji-Opus Archimagicum
Sorabji-Opus Clavicembalisticum
Barlow-Cogluotobusisletmesi
Alkan-Concerto for Solo Piano
Zimmerman-Wustenwanderung
Barrett-Tract

Pinnella's playing/writing has nothing on these guys. Neither do Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, Paganini, etc. for that matter. Check them out.
 
Vaughan Williams: A Sea Symphony.

Especially the fairly recent Telarc recording which won a Grammy for sound engineering.

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Vaughan-Williams-Symphony-Brett-Polegato/dp/B00006AAV7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307850817&sr=8-1[/ame]


Perfectly captures the essence of the sea and the lyrics by Walt Whitman are great.
 
Chopin is brilliant, for more piano chops, definately check out Liszt as well...

Chopin is my favorite composer. His nocturnes especially are very soul touching. And this is one of the best sonatas ever written, it's like you take the entire history of Poland and put it into one singular musical piece:
 
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