Classical Recordings...

organ

Just wondering if anybody else notice that almost all classical recordings sound great? I only own compilations of classical music and I can say that 90% of them sound fantastic, even stuff from the 70's. They all sound warm and very relaxing. Dynamics is super. I love to listen to classical while stoned or doing homework. My favorite have to be "Baroque Favorites" (HDCD) which I ordered from www.referencerecordings.com

A few days ago I ordered a Russian classical album. Want to explore their sound. I remember a video game I had for SNES back in the days that had Russian classical music and it sounded awesome. Now I'll have to keep trying out different albums to find that particular song because I can't remember the title:(.

Maurice

wrxmy02

I to was awed at some of the classical music. Comcast has a few channels on there digital music service. Most recordings are of good quality and I find a true pleasure unwinding to them.

gidrah

I've found classical music to be a mixed bag. Among my 50 or so classical CDs some sound great, some sound very bad. I think it has mainly has to do with the age of the performance. I've got performances that are awesome for content, but poor in sonics compared to similar pieces that are the inverse.

Lately I've been listening to a compilation CD of Japanese composers that has the best of both worlds. One of the composers is Akira Ifukube (Godzilla fame).

organ

Sean,
I think it depends on the label too. The ones from Virgin Records sound great while a 4 disc comp from another label sucked. It was labeled 'surround sound' and the surround effects sounded pretty cool but that was it. No highs, no lows. I'm sure the other 10% you own impressed you right?

wrx,
That's awesome. I don't have satelite yet. We need another box to play in the basement and I'm too cheap to get one.
Exploring new stuff is pure fun. Classical is everywhere in one form or another. I'm surprised to hear so many songs I've once heard before in a movie, video games, etc.

gidrah,
The best performances can be old. Even though the recording isn't so good, they captured the feelings and atmophere. I enjoy some mono stuff too because some of my Maria Callas recordings are in mono.

I found a Japanese composer too. Have heard of Kitaro? I found some of his vinyls at home and my neighbour really enjoed that. He bought one of his newer CD and the recording is amazing. One of the best.

Maurice

gidrah

KITARO? Damn buddy. I was just listening to some while snapping pics of the 2-ch room. He's deffinately more "new age", but great none the less. I have about 10 or 12 Kitaro CDs, tapes, and/or DVDs. Great stuff. Trust me, I know Kitaro music. I missed out on a chance to see him live a few years back.

organ

That's awesome. I'm going to look for more Kitaro CD's. The recording is great. I also found a Kitaro live vinyl. He sounds great live.

btw, the 2ch rig looks sweet. Great vintage gear everywhere. How about donating me that ST-70:D?

Maurice

Tour2ma

Originally posted by organ
I think it depends on the label too.

The best performances can be old. Even though the recording isn't so good...

For consistantly good sonics it very much depends on the label, but at any time one can come out of left field and absolutely floor you. Case in point MCA Classics (a budget label) recorded the Bern S.O. under Peter Maag performing Mendelssohn's Sym #4 (Italan) and it's a knock out on both counts... sonics and performance.

A lot of folks go on and on about Telarc, and while sonically they are very good, I don't own much from them as others are their sonic equal with better performances to boot.

AS for old performances, I have a MFSL reissue of Ravel's Bolero and other pieces, by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski and the Minnesota Orch. that was recorded on a four track recorder in 1975 that is outstanding.

organ

Tour,
Thanks, I'll have to look for that one. I still like old recordings too, mono or stereo. The "vintage sound" with rolled off highs, weaker bass and milky mids give the performance a special atmosphere.

Maurice

Tour2ma

My pleasure.

If sonic quality is your goal two of the best I own are:
Berlioz "Symphonie Fantastique" - Montreal/ Dutoit (London 414 203-2)
Pachelbel Canon - Paillard Chamber Orch/ Andre (RCA Red Seal RCD1-5468)

And the performances are first rate as well...

Frank Z

Maurice,
I picked up Beethoven's 7th & 8th Symphonies (1 DVD-A) a few weeks ago and the recording is stellar!! The surround use is just about perfect. Just got done listing to it on the 2 channel rig and was equally impressed.

Deutsche Grammophon Cat#B0001465-19
Berliner Philharmoniker
DVD-A