If I can't listen to a recording before I buy it, I usually select a recording on the basis of WHO is performing the work. I know which musicians play in the manner that I like. Also, in my experience, some of the OLDEST recordings are the best. Today I just received and listened to a new SACD issue of Beethoven 6th Symphony (Pastorale)recorded by Bruno Walter in January of 1958. Forty five years ago! (By the way, I also have the old LP, which I intend to compare). They must have had some darned good analog tape recorders back then, because this digital remastering is superb. Most important, the rendition has a quality that I rarely find in today's performances.
How do you find BEST classical recordings???
So many recordings of the same piece! Of course we all want great sonics and great performances. Some go for technique, others go for emotion, etc. The question is: when you want to hunt down the best recording of a particular piece, where do you go for info? What criteria do you use? Got any good tips?
(answers should apply to CD's and vinyl)
(answers should apply to CD's and vinyl)