Jilal 569 Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 Browsing through Spotify's never-ending catalog of classical recordings the last couple of days, I had a bit of an epiphany: There are a lot of classical recordings that sound like shit. Either because they were engineered ages ago, with equipment that nowadays resembles archaeological Stone Age finds at best, because they were recorded in a hall that's actually not quite apt for recording or perhaps because they're the poorly engineered live recordings that tend to plague the contemporary market. In order to help some of the more nitpicky, critical and demanding classical music aficionados on board, post some of your favorite classical recordings here. Favorite not in terms of performance or direction, but in terms of recording quality, reverb, miking, et cetera. I'll begin with this one: This recording (performed by the LSO, no less) has that rare "hall-ish sound" (excusez les mots) without being ridden with all too much reverb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,232 Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 I'll think of some specific examples as well, but generally labels like Telarc, Chandos, Hyperion, and (more variably) EMI have the most natural and beautiful sound to me. The bigger ones like Decca, Sony, and DG are too eggheaded in their approach, usually, with far too many mics all over the place, and inconsistent balance of direct sound and room sound. There are exceptions of course. There are some old "Stone Age" recordings, say, from RCA Victor, that sound better than some modern ones thanks to some contemporary tendencies towards overengineering. I have to admit that this is a subject that often kills a portion of my enjoyment of symphonic film scores. When I put Zimmer on, I expect and want to hear the work of a producer. When I put Williams or whoever else on, I don't, but I hear it anyway. Enough with the damn spot mics, enough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilal 569 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Share Posted July 28, 2016 17 minutes ago, TheWhiteRider said: There are some old "Stone Age" recordings, say, from RCA Victor, that sound better than some modern ones thanks to some contemporary tendencies towards overengineering. Of course. Ultimately it depends on the engineer using the equipment, so there are the usual exceptions. 17 minutes ago, TheWhiteRider said: The bigger ones like Decca, Sony, and DG are too eggheaded in their approach, usually, with far too many mics all over the place, and inconsistent balance of direct sound and room sound. They generally get the best conductors and orchestras, though. 17 minutes ago, TheWhiteRider said: I have to admit that this is a subject that often kills a portion of my enjoyment of symphonic film scores. When I put Zimmer on, I expect and want to hear the work of a producer. When I put Williams or whoever else on, I don't, but I hear it anyway. Enough with the damn spot mics, enough! I'm quite fond of spot miking when done right. Revenge of the Sith is a fine example, I'd say, but I know you're not really appreciative of Shawn Murphy's efforts. Simon Rhodes is another fine example, e.g. Newman's Skyfall, although that's film music territory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,232 Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 I like Murphy's overall sound, usually, but not the precision mic stuff he does. Then you have what Botnick did for Jerry towards the end, and that's the other extreme....You know, Decca/Sony/DG get big names, true. But don't pass up other labels based on that. Some of my favorite performances have come from the less expected places like that. An example of this is Sir Charles Groves and the RPO's recording of The Planets, from the 80s. It was done by some label I don't think I've ever heard of elsewhere, but it's one of my favorite recordings and familiarity with it while young means it influenced my taste for this stuff. Done in the wonderful Watford Hall (famous here for being the primary location for Shore's LOTR), totally natural without any artificial boosting, and a dynamic range that's just about unrivaled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,232 Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 Some further recommendations from myself and a few others who are even more particular about this kind of thing than I am: (Sony) (Nonesuch) Obviously you sparked quite a discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharkissimo 1,973 Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 My preference depends entirely on the material. For something like Ligeti's Atmosphères or Xenakis's Terretektorh I'll always go for a wetter recording with a large hall and an ambient bias, as in both cases the composer's intention was to subsume individual voices into greater whole. For Le Sacre, it's different. I'm a sucker for gnarly, earthy, rugged recordings as I think it captures the spirit of the score. The example Jilal posted is nice, but it's too smooth, too "spherical", too lacking in bite. From the recordings available on Spotify I prefer Stravinsky's own from 1960 and Thierry Fischer's 2011 performance with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilal 569 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Share Posted July 28, 2016 3 minutes ago, Sharkus Malarkus said: Thierry Fischer's 2011 performance with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. That's an excellent one as well. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karelm 2,901 Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 I very much like the Reference Recordings label for their sound and audiophile tendencies. http://referencerecordings.blogspot.com/ But I believe you need HDCD (high definition CD) decoder to hear it in full glory. I recall the spaciousness was so fantastic and the detail so realistic it felt like being in a concert hall. I also greatly admire the sound of these: https://www.amazon.com/Mahler-Symphony-Minor-Christa-Ludwig/dp/B00160X4UG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1469749534&sr=8-3&keywords=deutsche+grammophon+mahler+3 But interestingly not this: I find it curious that I greatly like the Mahler 3 but not Mahler 2 which is with the same orchestral forces, the same conductor, the same venue, and the same engineer but sounds quite inferior to No. 3. Note: the Mahler 2 performance is great just the recording is not up to the same standards as No. 3. Also examples of sonic excellence: I tend to prefer modern Chandos sound the 1980's sound but it depends on the repertoire. For example, opulent Bax sounds better in 1980's sound with the heavy reverb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loert 2,509 Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 Some examples I found in my files. I'll post YT and Spotify links, but neither will show the full quality of the recording obviously: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Berio: Sinfonia [NY Phil recording from 1969(!)] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scelsi: Œuvres pour chœur et orchestre [2003 · Accord] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scriabin-Nemtin; Prefatory Action [Ashkenazy recording] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- R. Strauss; Elektra [Decca, Solti, 1966] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tchaikovsky; Symphony No. 6 [Philips, Gergiev, 1995] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wagner; Der Ring des Nibelungen [Barenboim, 1992 Bayreuth Cycle] - this one is not so much great for its recording quality as it is great for the powerful performance by the singers (Tomlinson, Evans, Jerusalem...) and orchestra. It was recorded in the Bayreuth Festival Hall, so you will hear people running on the stage. A good demo track: Sharkissimo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,153 Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 The Solti Elektra sounds wonderfully intense. Oddly, the booklet (of the "The Originals" release at least) doesn't seem to indicate where it was recorded. Kempe's Lohengrin, also with the Vienna Philharmonic, was recorded the same year, 1964, at the Theater an der Wien: I love the energetic, dry sound. It's possibly the closest match I've heard on CD to the live acoustics of the Vienna State Opera. Then there's Wand's 1998 Bruckner 4 with the Berlin Philharmonic. YouTube seems to have only the final movement, although the reason I mention is the opening horn solo of the first movement. Perhaps the most beautifully intoned horn I've heard anywhere, and it carries wonderfully on the recording. Also, Jacob's fierce Figaro, where you can practically see the instruments before your eyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,153 Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 Speaking of horns, Carlos Kleiber's recording of Weber's Freischütz: (Seems to be a scratch LP transfer, but it seems to sound closer to the remastered CD release than the other uploads I've found) And I love the balancing of the offstage brass section in Kempe's Alpensinfonie: I'll try to think of some non-German/Austrian ones tomorrow.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,232 Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 3 hours ago, Jilal said: That's an excellent one as well. Thanks! Check out Boulez's for DG with the Cleveland Orchestra. It sounds very nice, very punchy as Sharky likes it (though the room is pretty live, and I think the brass are brought up in presence artificially), but his interpretation is nowhere near as savage as I'd like. DG also has a live one with Mehta and the NYP which is ferocious. The horns are wild on that one. 1 hour ago, Marian Schedenig said: Also, Jacob's fierce Figaro, where you can practically see the instruments before your eyes: Yeah, this rocks! That's what I'm talking about with the non-"name brand" labels, Harmonia Mundi in this case. Not only do they seem to consistently have purer recording methods, the performances are far from second-tier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharkissimo 1,973 Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 Would you say this is heavily spot-miked? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,232 Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 It takes a while to become obvious since you've got the winds playing alone for so long. But the balance at 1:50 between the winds and tremolo violins sounds really false to me, for starters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karelm 2,901 Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 11 hours ago, Sharkus Malarkus said: Would you say this is heavily spot-miked? No. It sounds like it's using a Decca tree mic. The winds are quite close sounding like mica above conductor. The brass sound appropriately further out and percussion further than that. I think an example of a recording that is too heavily spot mic'ed is essa pekka salonen planets with the Philharmonia. I'll look to see if I can find reference recordings to post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,232 Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 I don't know, it sounds like it could have more amplification than just the tree. I feel like I can hear that screwy perspective that you get from having mics between sections. There's a bit of bleed that makes the strings sound simultaneously where they actually are and also "behind" you. They also seem to back off a bit after the introduction. The rest all does sound natural though, you're right. Jilal 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karelm 2,901 Posted July 30, 2016 Share Posted July 30, 2016 By saying "Decca tree mic", yes it could still have far mics but the bulk is handled by the tree. It's sort of a decca sound. I agree that this particular recording is more than three mics but I would generically classify it as a Decca tree setup. Sort of like how most Decca recordings include far left and far right to give a broad sound but the predominant style is still Decca...albeit a wide sound with those far mics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Never enough of Bach! - Double concertos (Andràs Schiff) - Cantatas for Feast of the Purifaction of Mary (Gardiner) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,489 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Did you know that Arnold Schwarzenegger is due to play a classical composer? Asked "which one", he replied "I'll be Bach" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 8 minutes ago, Richard said: Did you know that Arnold Schwarzenegger is due to play a classical composer? Asked "which one", he replied "I'll be Bach" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,489 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 I don't like you, anymore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Naïve Old Fart 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,489 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 I like the colour-scheme. It's very PSB/BILINGUAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Speaking about the beautiful and stately BWV 82 (wrote the the Feast of the Purifaction of Mary), here are two other recommended recordings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted February 26, 2018 Share Posted February 26, 2018 From time to time, you need String Quartet music. I've chose the Talich Quartet both for Mozart and Beethoven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveMc 2,674 Posted February 26, 2018 Share Posted February 26, 2018 To my ears, the quality of this recording is the very peak of musical perfection. Bespin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Illustrious Jerry 3,356 Posted February 26, 2018 Share Posted February 26, 2018 Edit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loert 2,509 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Best recorded triangle ever! But seriously, all the instruments have such brilliant presence in this recording. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glóin the Dark 1,218 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 On 7/29/2016 at 1:19 AM, Loert said: Berio: Sinfonia [NY Phil recording from 1969(!)] But why doesn't he say "Thank you Mr. Berio" at the end?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 19 hours ago, Steve McQueen said: To my ears, the quality of this recording is the very peak of musical perfection. You have th hear the wonderful playing of this canadian guy. SteveMc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveMc 2,674 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 2 hours ago, Bespin said: You have th hear the wonderful playing of this canadian guy. Crystalline. He really breaks it down to its pure essence. Bespin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Illustrious Jerry 3,356 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Anyone have a favourite recording of Holst's The Planets? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,153 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Complete as opposed to what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 They added Planets without telling me? GEEZ! SteveMc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,489 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 3 hours ago, Jerry said: Anyone have Holst's The Planets. Complete. 2 hours ago, Marian Schedenig said: Complete as opposed to what? Exactly. There's a movement called PLUTO, but that wasn't written by Holst, and since Pluto's been downgraded... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,153 Posted February 27, 2018 Share Posted February 27, 2018 It's also not the only "completion" that's been done. But if we're talking about complete recordings of Holst's original orchestral suite, I have 9 (one of them taped from a radio broadcast of a concert I've attended in 2001). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Illustrious Jerry 3,356 Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 They did not add planets, Bespin. Settle down! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,153 Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 18 hours ago, Jerry said: They did not add planets @Bespin. Settle down. They did. There's a Pluto movement by Colin Matthews and a 4-movement asteroids suite by four different composers. (I haven't heard either) If you don't have a complete recording of the Holst suite, get one NOW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Illustrious Jerry 3,356 Posted March 1, 2018 Share Posted March 1, 2018 Edit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted March 1, 2018 Share Posted March 1, 2018 @Steve McQueen talked about the great Itzhak Perlman earlier. Here's some of my favourite recordings of him. SteveMc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 12,008 Posted March 1, 2018 Share Posted March 1, 2018 3 hours ago, Bespin said: Child labor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Easter music by excellence! (Should have listened to one of the passion yesterday, wooops!) La Passion Selon Saint Matthieu, BWV 244 La Passion Selon Saint Jean, BWV 245 (Mu choice this year) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bespin 8,472 Posted April 2, 2018 Share Posted April 2, 2018 Easter - The Sequel! - Christ Lag In Todesbanden, BWV 4 - Cantatas BWV 6 & 66 (Easter Cantatas) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 9,489 Posted April 2, 2018 Share Posted April 2, 2018 Ooh! John Eliot Gardiner. Nice. He does great Mozart operas, for DG Archiv. I'm not sure if it's Easter music, but I like something by Messiaen, called LA TRANSFIGURATION DE NOTRE SEIGNEUR JÉSUS-CHRIST. I find it almost unbearably moving. Bespin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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