[DTB300]

That's really the hardest part about approaching classical music if you
are new to it...  When you type Beethoven in to Amazon, you get about 3500 titles!
The good news is that there will always be plenty to write about....

The best thing that has taught me about which classical I like or do not like is Rhapsody streaming audio.  I get the opportunity to listen to many different era's and composers, and have found that I am a Baroque and Classical era fan.  While Rhapsody does limit one to only certain releases, it still gives you the chance to get an idea of what it is like.  Before, I cannot tell you how many classical releases I bought only to either give them away or trade them in.

I am sure the articles and reviews would be helpful to a lot of folks, but for newbies listening is the best way to finding what you like.

[BrianM]

For those unsure where to start with classical recordings, there is no shame in taking your cues from any of the various classical recordings guides, of the Top 100 variety or what have you, that are out there.  You have to start somewhere, and some trial and error is unavoidable.  Anyone who has grown to love classical music probably realizes it's a lifelong concern/hobby.  There's literally more out there than anyone can hope to learn about; figuring out which interpretations you prefer is both fun and subject to change over time.  But as richidoo pointed out, figuring out which classical recordings are up to audiophile standards is a trickier matter.  Again, trial and error will teach you which record labels tend to have better sound.  (Hint: not you, Deutsche Grammophon...many of the smaller labels seem more devoted to the SQ side of things.)

[mcullinan]

This is what I would like to know. Say you are reviewing a new conducted version of the 1812 Overture. I would like a rating for that album/review... then I would like to see a subsection with Other Great Performances of the 1812 Overture with performance/recording ratings. The to expand my (still small) classical knowledge I would like a If you like this, you might like... naming other composers, symphonies that I might be interested in.
Thanks.
Mike

[BrianM]

This is what I would like to know. Say you are reviewing a new conducted version of the 1812 Overture. I would like a rating for that album/review... then I would like to see a subsection with Other Great Performances of the 1812 Overture with performance/recording ratings.

I would recommend something like a Penguin Guide for this, or any guide that indexes and tallies up multiple reviews of particular recordings.

The to expand my (still small) classical knowledge I would like a If you like this, you might like... naming other composers, symphonies that I might be interested in.

Amazon.com tries to do that, by providing links to CDs others have also bought, as well as suggesting other recordings in the same genre or sub-genre.  Personally I've bought many a CD I wouldn't have noticed otherwise by following those links.

[BrianM]

Here's a site that might provide you some helpful links:

http://www.classical.net/music/guide/publication.html

[mcullinan]

Thanks Brian!
A big help
Mike

[Gordy]

Naxos has a nice educational section on Classical music... http://www.naxos.com/education/introduction.asp

[geezer]

I’d enjoy seeing comments about equipment. Surely there are different preferences between those who prefer classical and those who like rock. I’ve often wondered whether there might be some consensus about gear among classisists. I haven’t done any personal research into this topic, but my guess is most would prefer a system that is most “natural,” i.e., having the least coloration.

[TONEPUB]

I’d enjoy seeing comments about equipment. Surely there are different preferences between those who prefer classical and those who like rock. I’ve often wondered whether there might be some consensus about gear among classisists. I haven’t done any personal research into this topic, but my guess is most would prefer a system that is most “natural,” i.e., having the least coloration.

You are absolutely correct and that is something we will address.  Dan and I have very similar systems, he has a CJ ART3 and a premier 350 along with an SME table.  I have an ACT2 a premier 350 and the Raven with an SME arm, but he has Avalon Indra speakers and I have Martin logan summits.

His Indras are definitely more tonally correct than mine, but not quite as dynamic or as big sounding.  When you play a lot of rock and jazz, I definitely prefer mine, but when you play orchestral music, the avalons are so good tonally, I'd rather have Avalons if that was what I listened to 90 percent of the time.

The new Harbeth compact 7-3's are also very good tonally.

Bottom line, I think if you listen to primarily classical music you might have different requirements.

We'll do our best to help you out!

[Toka]

I second the notion to feature both new and older (as in, "bargain bin") releases with equal billing. And in as many formats as possible (open reel, anyone?). I don't know what sort of formatting is planned but if a new release, old release, and odd-ball (reel, whatever) release could be featured each month I would consider it a tremendous, unique resource.

[TONEPUB]

This month in our new issue of TONE, which should be out monday,
Dan compared some of the new EMI TESTAMENT LP's to the originals
that he owns and was very excited.

He told me they are just as good if not better than the originals
that cost megabucks and you can get em at Acoustic sounds....

That's all I know for now....

More to come!

We just have to get this issue up and our new website, then
we can put the hammer down on classical.  I know he's working
away!!

Stay tuned.

[regnaD kciN]

So, many months later, I have to ask:  what happened to this idea?

[Whitese]

i was going to suggest doing the DCC Everest reissues,,,as I have them and the originals also..

[TONEPUB]

So, many months later, I have to ask:  what happened to this idea?

Dan's been a little sidetracked with some family stuff, but it's on the front burner for the
new year....

[Wind Chaser]

How about a section "Classical for Newbies / dummies" to help stimulate interest and educate?

[thunderbrick]

I am SO glad this will come to pass.  So many times that I read the "what are you listening to now" thread I wonder where the F*** do THESE recordings come from, and am I so old (not yet 60) that I've lost ALL touch with music?

I'd also like to see the following:

For us less gifted about performances, a coherent explanation of WHY a certain performance/conductor/recording is preferred.  I have given up understanding TAS's reviews because I can't make the comparisons.

Comments from the non-expert readers (like me) about a particular piece of music that inspires them/us and why.  Like Music Appr 101 and first hearing "The Moldau" on a roll-around mono rig in college, and SEEING that river through the music.  Telarc's CD that includes Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis is AMAZING to listen to loud and in the dark.  Having lived in Germany Wagner's "Forest Murmers" has special meaning, and if you don't know classical music how the hell can you appreciate Disney's Fantasia or Bugs Bunny/Elmer Fudd's "Kill The Wabbit" scene?  After all the great film scores of the first half of the 20th century were often based in the Romantic period because that's where many of the those composers were trained. 

Speaking of film scores, ah never mind, that's another thread............

[TONEPUB]

How about a section "Classical for Newbies / dummies" to help stimulate interest and educate?

I kind of think the "Classical A-Z" That we've done for the last three years was a step in
that direction. Have you read those?  The last segment will be in our Feb issue.