[sjg]

I think Ward Marston is the leading talent in restoring old recordings today. 

The Marston Records http://www.marstonrecords.com catalog is filled with gems and you can find his work on big labels as well.  For example, he did all the transfer restoration work on the Naxos Complete Caruso Recordings. 

http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.110703

He has staged little talks promoting his new releases on youtube.  I find them all fascinating.  There are 2 up on youtube now about his work on "Rosalia Chalia: Selected Recordings of a Forgotten Soprano."  You can find the link on the Latest Release page on his website at the bottom.

I thought folks would find this work interesting even though it takes you back to a different style of opera singing and the sonic limitations of vintage recording.

cheers, Stephanie

[woodsyi]

That Caruso CD would be interesting to compare directly to same songs on 78s and 33s.  I was not impressed with one best of Caruso CD I got a few years ago which was supposed to have the latest DSP to eliminate technical shortcomings to let the voice shine through.  It killed the voice instead.  It was like listening to tape with Dolby C NR filter. 

Thanks for the inspiration.  I am going to listen to some 78s this weekend.   

[sjg]

I am curious which Best of Caruso compilation cd you have -- so I can avoid it!  Thanks, Stephanie