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Evaluating Classical Music Albums

How do you evaluate classical music albums? 
First, what do you look for when you’re deciding which album to stream or buy? Is the conductor/orchestra more important, or is the record label? How important is the date of the recording?
Second, what do you listen for in an album that you already have to determine the quality of the recording? This can obviously be divided further into the musical quality and the sonic quality of the recording. What factors are important in evaluating these qualities?

Thanks for the advice. 
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Showing 1 response by andrei_nz

andrei_nz
192 posts
 

1. By and large Studio is to be preferred over Live.  

2. There are many orchestral recordings in 60s that are great.  This was a time of great optimism in Europe and it comes out in the playing.  This typically means that you have to go for LP.

3. The popular orchestras and popular conductors are generally safe bets.  The trick is the smaller labels / artists.  A striking example is Sibelius Violin Concerto performed by Dylana Jenson with Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra.  (LP version only, I'm afraid).  Another is the Punkt Label that put out Haydn Symphonies.  Just too many to mention.

4.  Hi-Rez (not more that 96Khz) is often good.

5. Be aware of reissues.  For example the Sibelius mentioned is disappointing on CD.  Likewise the other way round - new music 'remastered' for vinyl.  

Not all that helpful sorry but I think you know it is a thorny issue.

 

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