Classical Music SACDs

lomic
lomic Posts: 407
edited March 2005 in Music & Movies
Well, there are a lot aren't there? I've heard classical tend to be the best sounding DSD releases, so I'd definitely like to start looking into some, but I have no idea where to start - it's the one area of hi-rez music that is overwhelming in choices. Anyone recommend a very well recorded disc that is a fairly common composition? I'd like it to be something I've probably heard before to start with.

Thanks much, and please only one or two recommendations.... 20 albums, while they may all sound awesome, won't help narrow it down ;)
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2005
    It would help if you told us what you have heard before and like. That way the suggestions can be tailored to your specific tastes.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,663
    edited March 2005
    Check out, http://www.sa-cd.net/, they have over 2000 reviews.

    Personally, I recommend Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks Water Music on Telarc.
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  • gregure
    gregure Posts: 871
    edited March 2005
    Although I do not have a player capable of decoding SACD, I do have a few hybrid SACD's that play as regular 2-channel, and I still notice the tremendous difference in sound quality. It actually sounds like it does in a concert hall, as if all the overtones are retained in the recording. Very rich, open sound.
    As for recommendations:
    The entire San Francisco Symphony/Michael Tilson Thomas Mahler symphony recordins are SACD, and sound superb.
    Mahler 3 w/ MTT and SFS sounds awesome, definitely my favorite so far.
    Mahler 2 is also very well done, my only complaint being that the organ in the finale does not produce the best impact-surprising considering the size of the damn thing. Take it from me, though, these recordings realistically reproduce the sound of a concert in Davies Hall.
    Also, a few older Karjan recordings are being re-released as hybrids as well. A two-disc set w/ his Beethoven 5,.6 and 9 with the Berlin Phil is available, and they sound better than ever, especially the 9th. All from the mid seventies.
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  • tonyv1
    tonyv1 Posts: 365
    edited March 2005
    There are 20 RCA Living Stereo releases from the 50's that sound amazing. The multichannel version is 3 channel (L/R and center), that's the way they recorded it. Plus they're only $11.98 each. This version of Scheherazade is getting rave reviews.
    I love the Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue" by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops.
    I also own every Hilary Hahn SACD. She's amazing!
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by tonyv1
    There are 20 RCA Living Stereo releases from the 50's that sound amazing. The multichannel version is 3 channel (L/R and center), that's the way they recorded it. Plus they're only $11.98 each. This version of Scheherazade is getting rave reviews.
    I love the Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue" by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops.
    I also own every Hilary Hahn SACD. She's amazing!

    Regarding the RCA Living Stereo series, it's on sale at Tower for $8.99/each. Most of the titles are availavle at yourmusic.com at either $4.99 or $5.99/each, depending on when you signed up.

    Telarc also have some amazing stuff....including its 1812 Overture (both Telarc's original recording and a new re-recording).
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  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited March 2005
    Yes, lom, there are quite a few. One point on classical SACDs is that you shouldn't expect lavish surround effects. Very few classical compositions have the players arrayed in different areas of the hall(the Berlioz Requiem is one of the exceptions), and the surround channels carry ambience which adds realism, but in a relatively subtle way.

    Besides the fine suggestions made by Jesse, Greg, Tony and Danny, my first recommendation would be the gorgeous music for Swan Lake which I added to my other versions a few months ago and is now an even better bargain on sale. Then to get you up over the $20 for free shipping I'd suggest one of the RCA classic reissues which were mentioned. I got the legendary Daphnis et Chloe by Munch. Note that these RCAs are from 40-50 years ago and even the re-mastering for SACD can only do so much. There might be a bit of tape hiss, but it disappears in the glories of the music.
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