When will there be decent classical music recordings?

Many thanks for those excellent comments. Yes Deutsche Gramafon recordings are ruined by Von Karajan lifeless presentation. I could  bash a tin can with more feeling than all his recordings put together.And there were FAR to many of them.
I wonder how I can search a catalogue for specifics of recording techniques, as you have mentioned?
It is very dispiriting. For example I must have 7 or 8 recordings of Schubert Impromptus and also of Tchaikowsky Violin Concerto (No 1 ha ..ha) yet only one of each is half decent. Strangely the best recording (sound and interpretation) of the Tchaikowsky was my cheapest - a vinyl lp at 99p. Quality seems to have no correlation with price, but we all know that ! .
And recordings of the most well known orchestras are often disappointing when compared with those lower down the hierarchy   And don't get me started on overrated engineers. Most of them couldn't tell a trumpet from a cornet, or a violin from a viola.
How do I track down the good ones????

 

Actually, I wouldn't overrate the engineers, it's the producers who have the most say in the final mix, along with the artists.  I would rate most Harmonia Mundi recordings, particularly those produced by Robina Young, as among the best I have heard on a consistent basis.  Take any recording of Nicholas McGegan and the Philharmonia Baroque, for example, those might satisfy your craving for both musical values and recordings with texture to the instruments (they're a small enough ensemble for that to work, I think).  That they had Peter McGrath and Tony Faulkner as recording engineers was a plus as well.  Also, Craig Dory's recordings of the Baltimore Consort on Dorian also might be worth your time.  Finally, as a rule I have felt Decca recordings, particularly where the recording engineer was Kenneth Wilkinson, seem to strike a reasonable balance between a broad picture of the orchestra and adding a little presence through some spot miking.

Hi been audiogoner for about 6years first recap i know exactly what you mean if want excellent classical recording it's called great Russian classics includes tchaikovskys1812 overtures my best clasicals cd knock your socks off let me know. Jeff 

A hearty seconding of rcprince's recommendation of the Harmonia Mundi label recordings. Great sound, great repertoire, great artists and performances. My favorite contemporary Classical label, by far.

@rcprince.
Very interesting and accurate comments on mic'ing techniques. And thanks for sharing your mixing experience.

As for Karajan, look how many of his DG recordings were later remixed and remastered due to his insistence on overseeing the engineering process.

I far prefer a slightly more distant perspective so I can hear the blend of voices and instruments called for by the composer.

Well said; that is my preference as well. I attend the symphony each season and enjoy a mid-hall sound experience.