Looking for a guide to best classical recordings


I'm a rocker, or so I like to think. So as you might guess, my knowledge of classical music is minimal. I am aware, however, that just having a recording of a certain piece is not good enough; that there are often "definitive" recordings of various pieces. I'm interested in some sort of guide to the "best" recordings. I think I saw some sort of Penguin guide once upon a time. Any of you have recommendations on what specifically to look for?

Thanks in advance,

Nick
nicko

Showing 1 response by route9

the latest penquin guide 2004 has just been released,it includes most all of the new releases thru early 2003.as mentioned in earlier posts,the reviews don't always tell you much about the quality of the recordings,so if this is important to you ,rely on the ones that do.
the gramophone web site is also very informative as they give you their best picks going back 20 yrs. or so.
also the recommendation of the naxos label is very good,especially of the last 5 years of their recordings.the sound quality is right up there with the major labels