I have but one comment, please do more of these. My knowledge and experience with classical recordings is somewhat limited and your comments and reviews are extremely valuable. Thank you.
Had to Lol @scatter33 who should never had been that shamelessly obvious, AI or not now , for THE time is now for ALL to ...Shema!!! and finally learn for good , since it hurts none like it's called for in the Constitution, by the way.
I barely understood a thing 😂 but your passion, knowledge and confidence made it a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Fingers crossed that one day you’ll do ‘an intro to classical’ video. Keep up the great work Michael.
Thank you for your honest and in depth appraisal. Too many are promoting this series without attention to the details that we audiophiles crave. I hope DG will reissue Kleiber's Beethoven 5 and Schneiderhan's Beethoven violin concerto with Paul van Kempen
What a thoughtful analysis! Having bought all except the Verdi, I agree with every observation. My ranking would place the Debussy/Ravel in first place, probably because I was so smitten with the ravishing performance and (as you noted) the fact that little details peek out of the background in a way I've not heard on recordings before. The Stravinsky made my hair flutter, so that one makes my #2. Kleiber/Beethoven is wonderful as well. The Gilels/Brahms didn't live up to my expectations, as they were set by the high sonic remastering standards of the first three. It's only marginally better than the original, which I also have. I've already pre-ordered the next three. DG has finally atoned for all the miserable, bright pressings that they issued in the 70's and 80's, and I forgive them. I wondered why CFP pressings were often so good ... didn't know they used the same stampers as the collectible SAX pressings. Thanks again.
Thank for making this and your other videos, they are very informative & greatly appreciated. The music is paramount but if I may make a couple of comments about the sound you are hearing? In addition to your musical training and all this brings to your work, I notice you use Harbeth Speakers, which are predominantly monitor speakers and extremely revealing. I use the Monitor 30s. I live in the UK and it’s interesting how many of the customers who purchased Harbeth speakers from the retailer where I purchased mine from are classically trained musicians and how many of these play in one of our leading orchestras. If you have the facilities and the time you might like to listen to the Brahms piano concertos with say an Audio Technica AT33PTG / II., which uses a micro line stylus and has something of a reputation for good tracking. I have one in mounted in a Rega RB 3000 tone arm, which comes pre installed with the Rega P10 and I don’t appear to experience the issues to which refer. However, I am much older then yourself and my hearing is not what it once was. Also, you are more aware of what it is you are listening for anyway. This said, I find this turntable retrieves more information and tracks my records better then my previous turntables, which I bought in the 1990s and which was regularly serviced. Enough of my rambling. Thank you again and here’s to there being more releases in this series for us to contemplate purchasing and enjoying in the comfort of our homes.
Great review and it's good to see you back again. It's good to see someone mentioning the Classics For Pleasure series as they are records I tend to buy when I see them in charity shops over here. Generally they are priced at £1 to £2 and I'm glad that more people don't appear to be seeking them out as the majority of ones I've bought do sound wonderful. The Ravel is one that I don't have so I'll be looking out for that one now.
I just watched this for the second time, and again, thanks for this, Michael. I now have them all except the Verdi, Brahms, and Debussy/Ravel. I had the original of the later back in the day, and I greatly look forward to hearing new release. I certainly agree about the Le Sacre and the Beethoven. Yowza!
Seeing all these DG titles reminds me of the Tower Records Classical store on South St in Philadelphia. Even then I thought it was wild that there was a whole store dedicated to classical music, let alone one that was just a few streets down from their giant 3-story location...which also had a well stocked classical section. Great coverage. Thank you.
Great review. Picked all of them already, but just listened to your top two. Abbado's Rite of Spring blew out my mind. But the one I enjoyed the most, cause I've listened to this version a lot, was Kleiber's 7th. I own a Spanish 70's pressing, a 2013 reissue pressing and this one. Damn! Played the three of them to compare and the Original Source Reissue is quite another world in terms of dynamics and stage presence. Astonishing work here. I was reluctant at first when this series was released, but now I'm sold.
Great video. I just have one question if anyone else notice that the first violin sounds a bit skinny or sharp for the Beethoven Sym No.7 or issues of my vinyl setup.
Great guidance. I was wondering with one to get. I was so excited to hear that they were rebooting the old Deutsche Grammophone records I think it will be the Abaddo and Kleiber. Thanks!
Well done for giving kudos to those CFP releases. They were, for many of us, the entry point into classical music. Fantastic value for money, and recordings that have stood the test of time (on release, and still today). I have so many but not that Daphnis and Chloe one. It's now on my wants list.
So glad you did this. I thought the same about the Verdi and I assumed it was my very neutral headphones. I have sung chorale on this and it should be the most visceral piece of music when recorded properly. Love the work you do, thank you
Spot on, astute analysis. i don't disagree with any of the pros and cons but I would rank Stravinsky no 1 of the 7-astounding dynamics. I'm by no means an expert-just going off of "feel". Verdi and Brahms are still well worth it, in spite of noted flaws. I've never heard a solo vocal (Verdi) or piano (Brahms) sound better, ever. And as mentioned in the video, SPECTACULAR performance of the Brahms Piano Concertos. I have middle-brow set ups-the Ortofon Blue, factory mounted on a Fluance (with felt blankets under the feet-curing vibration issues) and the Hana MC MH on an old Yamaha YP-D6 - both seem to handle the end of side 3 of the Brahms set okay-but as pointed out, the record is a little *too* dynamic. Great video for anyone considering these. I think they're all worth getting, demand serious listening.
You mentioned about the Rite of spring by Stravinsky I have that on a HDCD disc and HRX with EIJI OUE with the Minnesota orchestra .It is a great piece.
Great reviews thank you for making this and looking forward to your views on the next 7 ie 8 to 14 … I think it would be a great video series if you kept going in batches of 7 in ranking
Hi Micheal, This is a great overview for me, as I have only purchased the Stravinsky so far and wanted another opinion on my next title. Hopefully I can still find your favorite! Scott
A huge thanks for this great video, Michael. For those of us planning to purchase most of these recordings, your feedback and views are really priceless! A quick question on gear. I suppose that, in order to fully enjoy the high quality you should have a very good set up. Any suggestions (for info, I have a Rega Planar 3 TT with Exact cartridge. Planning to upgrade to a Planar 8 but not in the short term)? Best regards from Brussels, Ignacio
The Planar 3 is a very good table, I owned one for many years. The 8 will of course be much better, but I think the 3 will more than serve you well until that day comes.
Thanks a lot for the reply, Michael, much appreciated. A quick question on cleaning. Do you recommend cleaning even audiophile new vinyls like the Original Source before playing? If so, which method would you recommend? Many thanks again. Best regards, Ignacio
Thanks for the video. Six years ago you mentioned that Deutch Gramaphone has never disappointed you but at the same time has never impressed you when compared to the sound quality of the first presses from DECCA, RCA or Mercury. I wonder what is your opinion when comparing these new gramaphone pressings?
Nice video I am not a big classical guy I have a few records but no expert on the subject. When I saw the reviews on how these new DG sounded I thought I had ordered one. So I just picked Beethoven at random probably because for nothing else I know the name and to see you ranked it #1 was great it sure does sound good. I am looking forward to their future releases to add more to my collection.
Thanks for the heads up about these DG pressings. I have been curious. Major jazz fan and audiophile snob here! Ha! Been wanting to grab some Classical. Got the Beethoven and the Stravinsky... WOW! A-mazing! Instant Classical music fan.
I did enjoy this video. After watching a video with the young lady that cut these I ordered 2 of these. You ranked the 2 I ordered at #2 & #4. The Mahler is supposed to arrive today, the Stravinsky still has not shipped. keep up the good work
Hi Dr Poetry 😀 I am not a classical guy at all but I was interested in this series and took a stab at ordering 2 albums. After hearing them I ordered another 2 so now I'm interested in your ranking and to see how I did with my "shot in the dark" guesses! The two I have are your #7 and #1, while I have #2 and #3 on order! Not too bad! As for Requiem, I think it sounds fabulous and the quality of these albums are top notch. Classical neophytes like myself may not be aware of a lack of bass and therefore it would not inhibit the listening experience. Amazon Canada was temporarily out of stock for the Brahms title so I might have picked that one, and the Mahler was over $100 CAD so I passed on that. Cheers
I’m not sure there’s a complete box set of all the Mahler symphonies on vinyl that I can recommend, but there’s definitely some safe bets for individual releases. For instance the cycle on Decca with George Solti (London and Chicago symphonies) are all very solid and can be picked up cheaply. I also have a great German EMI box set of Barbirolli conducting both the 5th and 9th symphonies (very rare and expensive in original pressings, but this box set compilation is somewhat affordable). Also there’s really good records by Giulini of the 1st (on EMI) and 9th (on DG, but get the speakers corner reissue). Hope that helps!
I have the UK Ace of Diamonds reissue of the Curzon Trout Quintet, sounds pretty good to my ears. I have not heard either the original Decca or original London. Am I missing something by not having one of the original pressings?
I have enjoyed your work on TH-cam for a while. I ordered two of the DG Original Source recordings: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique and Mozart Piano Concertos Nos. 25 and 27. Is it correct that they came out after you made your recording. They say "New" on the DG page. Based on what you said, I also ordered Ma vlást. A heads up to people that buy these. I ordered the first two on October 12th and they cleared customs in the US just a day or so ago. I expect another week to wait before I get them. I look forward to more of your reviews.
Thanks, terrific reviews. I'm hoping that my favorite recoding of Mozart's 19 & 23 Piano Concertos w/ Pollini and Karl Bohm and the VPO will make it on to this series. My other favorite Piano Concerto recording would be Emil Gilels's Chopin's 1st E minor with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra originally a Columbia recording now owned by Sony.
Thanks Michael for great insights. I think one and two are pretty much all gone at sensible prices. I absolutely loved the OS Brahms PC1 which almost literally blew me away! A fine classics for pleasure release to look out for is the Kogan Silvestri Beethoven VC repressing the main downside it was released in a cheapo rough paper inner sleeve but despite that sounds super tubey.
Carlos Kleiber is great. I have his recording of the New Years concert in Vienna. He was able to keep the J. Strauss works interesting, which is hard to do since they're played to death everywhere.
I can second your endorsement of the Haitink/Concertgebouw recording of the Debussy Nocturnes. It is as atmospheric as the great cover Philips selected for it.
I would say the Trout is one of most improved, I don't hear the hard string sound. Just a wish about upcoming releases, Mahler 1 with Kubelik. This is one of the most transparent recordings and wonderful performance.
Great that you review classical recordings such as these. I'm just dipping my toes into the Archiv Produktion releases. Any recommendations in particular to seek out?
Thanks! Do you know the (newly re-pressed) 2014 box of Orfeo, Kleiber conducting Beethoven's 4, 6, and 7 with the Bavarian State Orchestra, all live! Phenomenal! 🎉 (Vinyl, of course, but digitally recorded)
As a subscriber and an orchestral music enthusiast, I'm asking this question on this site (rather than my many 'audiophile' channels). While I'm a avid audiophile, my passion is the music - not the equipment per se. I've been wondering if I might hear substantial benefit by upgrading my turntable. I'm currently using a Fluance RT-83 with an Ortofon Blue cartridge. When I upgraded from the Red to the Blue, I could hear the improvement - especially detail and resolution. If I were to upgrade my turntable, with even the Ortofon Blue as the cartridge, would I get noticeable improvement? If so, any suggestions? (I don't have an unlimited budget.) Thanks!
I will be reviewing a very sophisticated turntable next month with a battery powered tangential tracking arm. The Brahms will for sure be one of the records I play.
For 5, I like the Speakers Corner reissue of Bruno Walter on Columbia, as well as the Kleiber on DG (also available on Speakers Corner although out of print). For 9, I really like the Solti on Decca which can be had cheaply on London (still pressed in the UK) or on Speakers Corner.
Hi Michael great video. I’ve really enjoyed the Abbado and Amadeus Quartett releases so far. You mentioned there are better version of the Verdi Requiem available, which would you recommend? Cheers Graham 🙏
I mentioned these in my written review, but I really like the Reiner on RCA and the Solti on Decca. There's also the Muti on EMI that a lot of people seem to like but I haven't heard a copy on vinyl yet.
There are a LOT. Just off the top of my head, the Monteux on RCA Living Stereo, Klemperer on EMI (original UK columbia), Mravinsky on DG (Speakers Corner), Sargent on Everest (Classic Records)
I had the Ravel violin and piano record released in 2021. Yes the sound was amazing but unfortunately I think Accardo cannot play this repertoire anymore, the intonation was VERY shaky and it was an uncomfortable listen, especially considering how great of an artists he was in his prime.
@@poetryonplastic Yeah I don't have enough context to judge the playing beyond "better than I can play it." But couldn't believe the sound (which probably just highlights all the things that you don't like about the performance, ha). Any from the Fonè releases you recommend?
Michael, I’m ready to invest in my Classical collection.. would you recommend picking up the box set for Analogue Productions Series 2 Living Stereo collection, or spend the $ just selecting some specific titles? Just wondering if the Series 2 is really good across the board, or there are some weak spots.. it seams like a great mix to me.. I’m sure you haven’t heard all of them, but any guidance would be appreciated
Personally, I love almost all the Living Stereo reissues AP has done. The ONLY one they've done that I don't like is the Vivaldi Four Seasons for reasons of performance, but that's it. Otherwise I think you should buy every single one if you can. If the first set is available, I would say buy that one first because I think the pieces on it are a little more in the mainstream core repertoire, but the second set still has some war horses on it.
@@poetryonplastic thanks so much for getting back to me.. the first set isn’t available now, but I’ll keep an eye out for it.. I’ll grab the second set while I can.. side note, you have me listening to my Seaside Lovers, First Light, and Magical records after watching your beat of Japanese video.. Tats is my favorite, I have the RCA Years box set, and love the Softly record as well.. just found you, but loving the videos!!
Maybe, although you eventually get to a point where the groove is so tight that nothing can track it. I’m reviewing a tangential tracking tonearm soon, so I’ll be sure to test that hypothesis.
Hi! Newbie question here and definetly off topic. Why does the double bass placement changes from the usual left side place to the right in Brahms symphonies? I've noticed this after listening to Klemperer set and then Wand's both for EMI. Do the players actually move to the other side or they mix tjat way? Thanks
There are many ways to set up the string section of a symphony orchestra. Double basses most often are placed behind the cellos but the cellos may be placed in different positions depending on the wants of the conductor. The most common setup is from left to right 1st violins- 2nd violins- violas- cellos (sometimes the cellos and violas are flipped). Another common setup is 1st violins- cellos- violas- 2nd violins. This is done so that the 1st and 2nd violins face each other and provide a "balance" that is spread across the stage. In this less common setup, sometimes the basses will be in the back left corner behind the cellos, or they will be seperated from the cellos and in their usual corner on the right. It all depends on the wants of the conductor and the needs/space of the stage size.
Excellent video. I agree with the top 3, in that same order. Also with place 7. About places 4, 5 and 6, I don't know, I just received Brahms's yesterday and I haven't been able to listen to it carefully.
It's not surprising the Abbado/BSO recording of Debussy/Ravel is this fine. The orchestra has a long history of excellence in French music. Pierre Monteux and Charles Munch spent a lot of time with the orchestra in the mid-20th century.
Excellent video as usual Michael! I was too slow and lost the opportunity to get the Stravinsky, I hope I can get the Ravel/Debussy. BTW, what do you think about the Daphnis er Chloe version by Dutoit/Montreal/Decca? I think it's great!!. Also, do you recommend the Analogue Productions Munch/Boston/RCA versión of that ballet?. Personally, I would love to see the Mahler cycle by Riccardo Chailly released on vinyl, great playing, great sound. Same for the Michael Tilson Thomas Mahler cycle. Best wishes from Chile!
I love all the Dutoit/Montreal recordings, my teacher Ted Baskin played principal oboe on most of them. I wish the MTT Mahler cycle would get another vinyl pressing, but alas I think that will probably never happen, the original run was sold as a limited collectors item.
The Abbado/LSO was the first recording of the "Rite" I owned back in the day, and it's still one of my absolute favourites. Here's hoping they get around to Abbado's other superb LSO Stravinsky recordings soon.
I got the Kleiber and the Mahler, both are great listens. Not sure about a favorite, probably the Kleiber. Unfortunately the Rite was sold out just the day before i ordered 😞
1- The young friend's prose/poetry sounded Nietzsche-like downcast on his first One album for nothing is lacking , all is complete on that Original Resource re-issue. 2- But he might want to again listen deeper this time with an emphasis on the meaning of the words/ lyrics and how well Verdi set them to music, without feeling hopeless for after all like they say across the pond in Spain (as roughly translates into English) : Hope was once Green UNtil a goat ate it (''La esperanza era Verde hasta que se la comio un chivo''. Google translate it if need to). 3- Kid you not, pun intended of course...Shema!!!.
I wonder if any others have, like me, missed the point of this video by adding some of the recordings to their streaming service of choice. The Karajan Mahler 5 sounds great, even through Bluetooth headphones. I was over-familiar with the famous Barbirolli recording which I’ve had on CD since the late 80s.
I loved my SACRE. I also bought the Ravel/Debussy and that's spectacular. I wonder if you've had time to listen to the Dorati MONO Eloquence boxset (CD) - if you're looking for an amazing performance of Le Sacre, do check that one out. It blew me away!
Thank you very very much for your reviews! Your channel is so interesting. But please remember, that Emil Gilels was a russian citizen...so there is no place for a french pronunciation of his name:) Эмиль Гилельс. Please copy and paste to translator. Greetings 🍀🍀🍀 BTW...yes, this version of Brahms by Gilels is a cosmic performance!!!
Pretty good review. Gilels = hard G. He's not French. Eugen = "oy-gen" No big accent in the middle of Debussy. I was surprised by the reissue of the Abbado Sacre. That recording sounds harsh in digital, with a really weird soundstage. But might have to check it out. Love the deep dive on the BSO disc. All good recs.
The problem with these less common performer names is that I've definitely heard them mispronounced by other classical people of the years. Thanks for correcting Gilels, I'll try to get it right next time.
I have 80 or so different recordings of ""Le Sacre". I know that Goossen's recording; it's the slowest I own and it's just...not good. The CBS Boulez from '69 and Markevitch from '59 are my favorites.
DG was never known as an audiophile label. (I read) the L.P.s were equalized for cheap European record players and so sounded "tinny" and bass shy when exported to the U.S. and played on more expensive playback equipment. Note I'm talking about DG L.P.s from the 1960s--70s. Whether they were later equalized for U.S. playback I have no idea. I have no complaints about DG from any decade; but I'm not an audiophile.
DG try to reissue their masterpiese vinyl by themself not to give licence to any analog label of so long. So as they make the new vinyl reissue scheme to the next level which that's good for DG's own or customers
These can all be found in their original form on the second hand market unplayed and still sealed for less so I fail to see the point of buying such re-issues.
I have but one comment, please do more of these. My knowledge and experience with classical recordings is somewhat limited and your comments and reviews are extremely valuable. Thank you.
Had to Lol @scatter33 who should never had been that shamelessly obvious, AI or not now , for THE time is now for ALL to ...Shema!!! and finally learn for good , since it hurts none like it's called for in the Constitution, by the way.
Thx Michael. Spectacular run through these. Your knowledge of the performances and recordings is always tremendously educational. Thank you.
Thanks Miguel!
Great video.. it’s like a master class in Classical recordings, so interesting and educational
I barely understood a thing 😂 but your passion, knowledge and confidence made it a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Fingers crossed that one day you’ll do ‘an intro to classical’ video. Keep up the great work Michael.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these new releases, Michael! It's nice to have another video from you...we miss you when you're "away"!
Thank you for your honest and in depth appraisal. Too many are promoting this series without attention to the details that we audiophiles crave. I hope DG will reissue Kleiber's Beethoven 5 and Schneiderhan's Beethoven violin concerto with Paul van Kempen
What a thoughtful analysis! Having bought all except the Verdi, I agree with every observation. My ranking would place the Debussy/Ravel in first place, probably because I was so smitten with the ravishing performance and (as you noted) the fact that little details peek out of the background in a way I've not heard on recordings before. The Stravinsky made my hair flutter, so that one makes my #2. Kleiber/Beethoven is wonderful as well. The Gilels/Brahms didn't live up to my expectations, as they were set by the high sonic remastering standards of the first three. It's only marginally better than the original, which I also have.
I've already pre-ordered the next three. DG has finally atoned for all the miserable, bright pressings that they issued in the 70's and 80's, and I forgive them.
I wondered why CFP pressings were often so good ... didn't know they used the same stampers as the collectible SAX pressings. Thanks again.
Thank for making this and your other videos, they are very informative & greatly appreciated.
The music is paramount but if I may make a couple of comments about the sound you are hearing?
In addition to your musical training and all this brings to your work, I notice you use Harbeth Speakers, which are predominantly monitor speakers and extremely revealing.
I use the Monitor 30s. I live in the UK and it’s interesting how many of the customers who purchased Harbeth speakers from the retailer where I purchased mine from are classically trained musicians and how many of these play in one of our leading orchestras.
If you have the facilities and the time you might like to listen to the Brahms piano concertos with say an Audio Technica AT33PTG / II., which uses a micro line stylus and has something of a reputation for good tracking. I have one in mounted in a Rega RB 3000 tone arm, which comes pre installed with the Rega P10 and I don’t appear to experience the issues to which refer. However, I am much older then yourself and my hearing is not what it once was. Also, you are more aware of what it is you are listening for anyway. This said, I find this turntable retrieves more information and tracks my records better then my previous turntables, which I bought in the 1990s and which was regularly serviced.
Enough of my rambling. Thank you again and here’s to there being more releases in this series for us to contemplate purchasing and enjoying in the comfort of our homes.
Great review and it's good to see you back again. It's good to see someone mentioning the Classics For Pleasure series as they are records I tend to buy when I see them in charity shops over here. Generally they are priced at £1 to £2 and I'm glad that more people don't appear to be seeking them out as the majority of ones I've bought do sound wonderful. The Ravel is one that I don't have so I'll be looking out for that one now.
I just watched this for the second time, and again, thanks for this, Michael. I now have them all except the Verdi, Brahms, and Debussy/Ravel. I had the original of the later back in the day, and I greatly look forward to hearing new release. I certainly agree about the Le Sacre and the Beethoven. Yowza!
Thanks for keeping us updated on the classical world. I was worried you were hanging out too much with those jazz guys.
Seeing all these DG titles reminds me of the Tower Records Classical store on South St in Philadelphia. Even then I thought it was wild that there was a whole store dedicated to classical music, let alone one that was just a few streets down from their giant 3-story location...which also had a well stocked classical section. Great coverage. Thank you.
Yay! Tower Records in Philly!
Great video! I waited too long on these. The Carlos Kleiber appears to be sold out, I can’t find a copy for retail price anywhere.
Great review. Picked all of them already, but just listened to your top two.
Abbado's Rite of Spring blew out my mind. But the one I enjoyed the most, cause I've listened to this version a lot, was Kleiber's 7th. I own a Spanish 70's pressing, a 2013 reissue pressing and this one. Damn! Played the three of them to compare and the Original Source Reissue is quite another world in terms of dynamics and stage presence. Astonishing work here.
I was reluctant at first when this series was released, but now I'm sold.
Great video. I just have one question if anyone else notice that the first violin sounds a bit skinny or sharp for the Beethoven Sym No.7 or issues of my vinyl setup.
Thx Micheal. Looking forward for more classical music & other recommendations. I got my copies of classical enjoying every single notes now…
Great guidance. I was wondering with one to get. I was so excited to hear that they were rebooting the old Deutsche Grammophone records I think it will be the Abaddo and Kleiber. Thanks!
Well done for giving kudos to those CFP releases. They were, for many of us, the entry point into classical music. Fantastic value for money, and recordings that have stood the test of time (on release, and still today). I have so many but not that Daphnis and Chloe one. It's now on my wants list.
So glad you did this. I thought the same about the Verdi and I assumed it was my very neutral headphones. I have sung chorale on this and it should be the most visceral piece of music when recorded properly. Love the work you do, thank you
Spot on, astute analysis. i don't disagree with any of the pros and cons but I would rank Stravinsky no 1 of the 7-astounding dynamics. I'm by no means an expert-just going off of "feel". Verdi and Brahms are still well worth it, in spite of noted flaws. I've never heard a solo vocal (Verdi) or piano (Brahms) sound better, ever. And as mentioned in the video, SPECTACULAR performance of the Brahms Piano Concertos. I have middle-brow set ups-the Ortofon Blue, factory mounted on a Fluance (with felt blankets under the feet-curing vibration issues) and the Hana MC MH on an old Yamaha YP-D6 - both seem to handle the end of side 3 of the Brahms set okay-but as pointed out, the record is a little *too* dynamic. Great video for anyone considering these. I think they're all worth getting, demand serious listening.
You mentioned about the Rite of spring by Stravinsky I have that on a HDCD disc and HRX with EIJI OUE with the Minnesota orchestra .It is a great piece.
Great reviews thank you for making this and looking forward to your views on the next 7 ie 8 to 14 … I think it would be a great video series if you kept going in batches of 7 in ranking
Hi Micheal, This is a great overview for me, as I have only purchased the Stravinsky so far and wanted another opinion on my next title. Hopefully I can still find your favorite!
Scott
While these are out of stock at DG, they are still circulating in a number of online stores so hopefully you can get the titles you want!
Another great video from Michael.
Another bunch of composers / conductors / and song titles I discover I pronounce incorrectly...😄
It's ok, I definitely got Gilels wrong as others here have pointed out (hard G, not soft)
A huge thanks for this great video, Michael. For those of us planning to purchase most of these recordings, your feedback and views are really priceless! A quick question on gear. I suppose that, in order to fully enjoy the high quality you should have a very good set up. Any suggestions (for info, I have a Rega Planar 3 TT with Exact cartridge. Planning to upgrade to a Planar 8 but not in the short term)? Best regards from Brussels, Ignacio
The Planar 3 is a very good table, I owned one for many years. The 8 will of course be much better, but I think the 3 will more than serve you well until that day comes.
Thanks a lot for the reply, Michael, much appreciated. A quick question on cleaning. Do you recommend cleaning even audiophile new vinyls like the Original Source before playing? If so, which method would you recommend? Many thanks again. Best regards, Ignacio
Thanks for this, Michael. Just ordered that 1980 Haitink, Trois Nocturnes on Phillips per your recommendation. Looking forward to it! -- Mike
Report back when you have a chance to listen to it!
THX for your great classical videos.
Thanks for the video. Six years ago you mentioned that Deutch Gramaphone has never disappointed you but at the same time has never impressed you when compared to the sound quality of the first presses from DECCA, RCA or Mercury. I wonder what is your opinion when comparing these new gramaphone pressings?
Nice video I am not a big classical guy I have a few records but no expert on the subject. When I saw the reviews on how these new DG sounded I thought I had ordered one. So I just picked Beethoven at random probably because for nothing else I know the name and to see you ranked it #1 was great it sure does sound good. I am looking forward to their future releases to add more to my collection.
Thanks for the heads up about these DG pressings. I have been curious. Major jazz fan and audiophile snob here! Ha! Been wanting to grab some Classical. Got the Beethoven and the Stravinsky... WOW! A-mazing! Instant Classical music fan.
I did enjoy this video. After watching a video with the young lady that cut these I ordered 2 of these. You ranked the 2 I ordered at #2 & #4. The Mahler is supposed to arrive today, the Stravinsky still has not shipped. keep up the good work
Great video Michael. 😊
Thanks Jesus!
Hi Dr Poetry 😀 I am not a classical guy at all but I was interested in this series and took a stab at ordering 2 albums. After hearing them I ordered another 2 so now I'm interested in your ranking and to see how I did with my "shot in the dark" guesses! The two I have are your #7 and #1, while I have #2 and #3 on order! Not too bad! As for Requiem, I think it sounds fabulous and the quality of these albums are top notch. Classical neophytes like myself may not be aware of a lack of bass and therefore it would not inhibit the listening experience. Amazon Canada was temporarily out of stock for the Brahms title so I might have picked that one, and the Mahler was over $100 CAD so I passed on that. Cheers
You’ve got the best channel when it comes to audiophile LPs on TH-cam. Much better than the Mikes
Fantastic video. Can you recommend a Mahler vinyl box set outside of Bernstein?, -which I already have on cd
I’m not sure there’s a complete box set of all the Mahler symphonies on vinyl that I can recommend, but there’s definitely some safe bets for individual releases. For instance the cycle on Decca with George Solti (London and Chicago symphonies) are all very solid and can be picked up cheaply. I also have a great German EMI box set of Barbirolli conducting both the 5th and 9th symphonies (very rare and expensive in original pressings, but this box set compilation is somewhat affordable). Also there’s really good records by Giulini of the 1st (on EMI) and 9th (on DG, but get the speakers corner reissue). Hope that helps!
@@poetryonplastic that’s great. Thank you so much
This is the video I’ve been looking forward to! Btw bro, what speakers do you use?
Harbeth 30.2 XD
Nicely done Michael ❤️🔥
I have the UK Ace of Diamonds reissue of the Curzon Trout Quintet, sounds pretty good to my ears. I have not heard either the original Decca or original London. Am I missing something by not having one of the original pressings?
How about a follow up video about which future Original Source releases you are looking forward to?
I have enjoyed your work on TH-cam for a while. I ordered two of the DG Original Source recordings: Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique and Mozart Piano Concertos Nos. 25 and 27. Is it correct that they came out after you made your recording. They say "New" on the DG page. Based on what you said, I also ordered Ma vlást. A heads up to people that buy these. I ordered the first two on October 12th and they cleared customs in the US just a day or so ago. I expect another week to wait before I get them. I look forward to more of your reviews.
The Gilies Brahms concertos has a been digitally remastered in high resolution in 2015. It would be interesting to hear your take on those versions.
Thank your for this very good Video. I enjoyed it so much. Well done. Cheers from germany.
Thanks, terrific reviews. I'm hoping that my favorite recoding of Mozart's 19 & 23 Piano Concertos w/ Pollini and Karl Bohm and the VPO will make it on to this series. My other favorite Piano Concerto recording would be Emil Gilels's Chopin's 1st E minor with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra originally a Columbia recording now owned by Sony.
Thanks Michael for great insights. I think one and two are pretty much all gone at sensible prices. I absolutely loved the OS Brahms PC1 which almost literally blew me away! A fine classics for pleasure release to look out for is the Kogan Silvestri Beethoven VC repressing the main downside it was released in a cheapo rough paper inner sleeve but despite that sounds super tubey.
Thanks, yes I need more Silvestri recordings!
Great review!
Sehr gut! I agree with you for ranks 1 - 3. Good job. Greetings from Germany. 👍🇩🇪🎶
I found a CFP 40323 for 5 euros in great condition. Thanks for you suggestion 👍🏻
I'd love to know what your vinyl system is, turntable, amplification and speakers ?
Hana Umami Red, Acoustic Signature TA-1000 tonearm, Pure Fidelity Harmony TT, Allnic H1202 Phono Stage, Hegel H390 amplifier, Harbeth Monitor 30.2 XD speakers.
Carlos Kleiber is great. I have his recording of the New Years concert in Vienna. He was able to keep the J. Strauss works interesting, which is hard to do since they're played to death everywhere.
Amazing video! Tks
Sir Georg Solti's Mahler cycles?
Excellent, both his earlier recordings with the LSO, and his later ones with Chicago.
Wish you compared it to the Reiner/CSO which I have on Victrola and JVC XRCD.
I can second your endorsement of the Haitink/Concertgebouw recording of the Debussy Nocturnes. It is as atmospheric as the great cover Philips selected for it.
I would say the Trout is one of most improved, I don't hear the hard string sound. Just a wish about upcoming releases, Mahler 1 with Kubelik. This is one of the most transparent recordings and wonderful performance.
Great that you review classical recordings such as these. I'm just dipping my toes into the Archiv Produktion releases. Any recommendations in particular to seek out?
There's so much out there. One that I can recommend right off the bat is the 6 Triosonaten by Zelenka with Heinz Holliger performing (2533 147/148)
@@poetryonplastic Great thanks I will certainly look out for a decent copy. Just ordered the Claudio Abbado before it sells out!
On Archiv, anything by Pinnock or Goebel is going to be good, especially JS or CPE Bach and Handel.
Thanks! Do you know the (newly re-pressed) 2014 box of Orfeo, Kleiber conducting Beethoven's 4, 6, and 7 with the Bavarian State Orchestra, all live! Phenomenal! 🎉
(Vinyl, of course, but digitally recorded)
As a subscriber and an orchestral music enthusiast, I'm asking this question on this site (rather than my many 'audiophile' channels). While I'm a avid audiophile, my passion is the music - not the equipment per se. I've been wondering if I might hear substantial benefit by upgrading my turntable. I'm currently using a Fluance RT-83 with an Ortofon Blue cartridge. When I upgraded from the Red to the Blue, I could hear the improvement - especially detail and resolution. If I were to upgrade my turntable, with even the Ortofon Blue as the cartridge, would I get noticeable improvement? If so, any suggestions? (I don't have an unlimited budget.) Thanks!
Do any Tracking Angle have a modern linear tracking arm to compare the finale distortion?
I will be reviewing a very sophisticated turntable next month with a battery powered tangential tracking arm. The Brahms will for sure be one of the records I play.
Excellent video Michael! Which recording would you recommend to grab on vinyl for Beethoven Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 9? Thanks!
For 5, I like the Speakers Corner reissue of Bruno Walter on Columbia, as well as the Kleiber on DG (also available on Speakers Corner although out of print). For 9, I really like the Solti on Decca which can be had cheaply on London (still pressed in the UK) or on Speakers Corner.
@@poetryonplastic thank you so much!
Hi Michael great video. I’ve really enjoyed the Abbado and Amadeus Quartett releases so far. You mentioned there are better version of the Verdi Requiem available, which would you recommend? Cheers Graham 🙏
I mentioned these in my written review, but I really like the Reiner on RCA and the Solti on Decca. There's also the Muti on EMI that a lot of people seem to like but I haven't heard a copy on vinyl yet.
@@poetryonplasticthanks a lot for the feedback 🙏
Great review👏
Would you know of a strong pressing for Tchaikovsky's 5th?
There are a LOT. Just off the top of my head, the Monteux on RCA Living Stereo, Klemperer on EMI (original UK columbia), Mravinsky on DG (Speakers Corner), Sargent on Everest (Classic Records)
Do you have the Debussy and Ravel recordings that Fonè did with Salvatore Accardo and Laura Manzini? I thought those sounded amazing.
I had the Ravel violin and piano record released in 2021. Yes the sound was amazing but unfortunately I think Accardo cannot play this repertoire anymore, the intonation was VERY shaky and it was an uncomfortable listen, especially considering how great of an artists he was in his prime.
@@poetryonplastic Yeah I don't have enough context to judge the playing beyond "better than I can play it." But couldn't believe the sound (which probably just highlights all the things that you don't like about the performance, ha). Any from the Fonè releases you recommend?
Michael, I’m ready to invest in my Classical collection.. would you recommend picking up the box set for Analogue Productions Series 2 Living Stereo collection, or spend the $ just selecting some specific titles? Just wondering if the Series 2 is really good across the board, or there are some weak spots.. it seams like a great mix to me.. I’m sure you haven’t heard all of them, but any guidance would be appreciated
Personally, I love almost all the Living Stereo reissues AP has done. The ONLY one they've done that I don't like is the Vivaldi Four Seasons for reasons of performance, but that's it. Otherwise I think you should buy every single one if you can. If the first set is available, I would say buy that one first because I think the pieces on it are a little more in the mainstream core repertoire, but the second set still has some war horses on it.
@@poetryonplastic thanks so much for getting back to me.. the first set isn’t available now, but I’ll keep an eye out for it.. I’ll grab the second set while I can.. side note, you have me listening to my Seaside Lovers, First Light, and Magical records after watching your beat of Japanese video.. Tats is my favorite, I have the RCA Years box set, and love the Softly record as well.. just found you, but loving the videos!!
A linear tracking turntable will fix the distortion close to the run out groove.
Maybe, although you eventually get to a point where the groove is so tight that nothing can track it. I’m reviewing a tangential tracking tonearm soon, so I’ll be sure to test that hypothesis.
Do u think it would distort on the Brahms 2 with a linear tracker ?
I'm reviewing a turntable/tonearm with tangential tracking next month, so we'll find out!
What's that speaker, kinda looks like a Harbeth?
Hi! Newbie question here and definetly off topic. Why does the double bass placement changes from the usual left side place to the right in Brahms symphonies? I've noticed this after listening to Klemperer set and then Wand's both for EMI. Do the players actually move to the other side or they mix tjat way? Thanks
There are many ways to set up the string section of a symphony orchestra. Double basses most often are placed behind the cellos but the cellos may be placed in different positions depending on the wants of the conductor. The most common setup is from left to right 1st violins- 2nd violins- violas- cellos (sometimes the cellos and violas are flipped). Another common setup is 1st violins- cellos- violas- 2nd violins. This is done so that the 1st and 2nd violins face each other and provide a "balance" that is spread across the stage. In this less common setup, sometimes the basses will be in the back left corner behind the cellos, or they will be seperated from the cellos and in their usual corner on the right. It all depends on the wants of the conductor and the needs/space of the stage size.
Excellent video.
I agree with the top 3, in that same order. Also with place 7. About places 4, 5 and 6, I don't know, I just received Brahms's yesterday and I haven't been able to listen to it carefully.
I have the Mahler 5 original source ; it's great. I'm waiting for the Stravinsky
Awesome Video! thank you
It's not surprising the Abbado/BSO recording of Debussy/Ravel is this fine. The orchestra has a long history of excellence in French music. Pierre Monteux and Charles Munch spent a lot of time with the orchestra in the mid-20th century.
Excellent video as usual Michael! I was too slow and lost the opportunity to get the Stravinsky, I hope I can get the Ravel/Debussy. BTW, what do you think about the Daphnis er Chloe version by Dutoit/Montreal/Decca? I think it's great!!. Also, do you recommend the Analogue Productions Munch/Boston/RCA versión of that ballet?.
Personally, I would love to see the Mahler cycle by Riccardo Chailly released on vinyl, great playing, great sound. Same for the Michael Tilson Thomas Mahler cycle. Best wishes from Chile!
I love all the Dutoit/Montreal recordings, my teacher Ted Baskin played principal oboe on most of them.
I wish the MTT Mahler cycle would get another vinyl pressing, but alas I think that will probably never happen, the original run was sold as a limited collectors item.
The Abbado/LSO was the first recording of the "Rite" I owned back in the day, and it's still one of my absolute favourites. Here's hoping they get around to Abbado's other superb LSO Stravinsky recordings soon.
I'm primarily excited for the rumored Steinberg reissues!
@@poetryonplastic I've not heard the rumours, but I hope they've got his excellent "Planets" in their sights.
Hello. Great looking Harbeth speakers . Is this the XD version ?
Yes the 30.2 XD which I did a written review of two years ago.
Sry if this is a dumb question, but what's the indie rock song in your opening sequence?
Plaster Zodiac by For Hours and Ours!
@@poetryonplastic Thanks.
I got the Kleiber and the Mahler, both are great listens. Not sure about a favorite, probably the Kleiber. Unfortunately the Rite was sold out just the day before i ordered 😞
I really like the Verdi on streaming and must be missing what you mentioned, just can't pick it up on lofi tho :)
Thx so much! Where do you purchase your copies from? 🙏🏻
The first set I purchased on amazon, the second set were promos sent to me for review with Tracking Angle.
1- The young friend's prose/poetry sounded Nietzsche-like downcast on his first One album for nothing is lacking , all is complete on that Original Resource re-issue.
2- But he might want to again listen deeper this time with an emphasis on the meaning of the words/ lyrics and how well Verdi set them to music, without feeling hopeless for after all like they say across the pond in Spain (as roughly translates into English) : Hope was once Green UNtil a goat ate it (''La esperanza era Verde hasta que se la comio un chivo''. Google translate it if need to).
3- Kid you not, pun intended of course...Shema!!!.
This series is sold out on a popular on-line retailer.
Gratuluję rowniez duzej kolecji plyt 👏👏👍
Geelels. Not a French name. (And “s” is not silent ) Very helpful video in choosing the right title to pick
Sadly most of these are already sold out ! Maybe they will do a repress. Thanks for the video
I wonder if any others have, like me, missed the point of this video by adding some of the recordings to their streaming service of choice. The Karajan Mahler 5 sounds great, even through Bluetooth headphones. I was over-familiar with the famous Barbirolli recording which I’ve had on CD since the late 80s.
I would love having the Rite of Spring but it’s sold out everywhere in Europe. 😢
I loved my SACRE. I also bought the Ravel/Debussy and that's spectacular. I wonder if you've had time to listen to the Dorati MONO Eloquence boxset (CD) - if you're looking for an amazing performance of Le Sacre, do check that one out. It blew me away!
But your knowledge is well appreciated
Thank you very very much for your reviews! Your channel is so interesting. But please remember, that Emil Gilels was a russian citizen...so there is no place for a french pronunciation of his name:) Эмиль Гилельс. Please copy and paste to translator. Greetings 🍀🍀🍀 BTW...yes, this version of Brahms by Gilels is a cosmic performance!!!
Most of them are sold out at the DG site.
i am waiting for kleiber/wagner tristan and karajan mahler 6.
Pretty good review. Gilels = hard G. He's not French. Eugen = "oy-gen" No big accent in the middle of Debussy.
I was surprised by the reissue of the Abbado Sacre. That recording sounds harsh in digital, with a really weird soundstage. But might have to check it out. Love the deep dive on the BSO disc. All good recs.
The problem with these less common performer names is that I've definitely heard them mispronounced by other classical people of the years. Thanks for correcting Gilels, I'll try to get it right next time.
Haven't bought any because I've never been a fan of DG vinyl sound as a rule. Just ordered the Beethoven off your review.
Swietne ciekawe odcinki i plyty bardzo dobrze omówione👌 . Pozdrawiam serdecznie prowadzacego ten kanal .👍
I have 80 or so different recordings of ""Le Sacre". I know that Goossen's recording; it's the slowest I own and it's just...not good. The CBS Boulez from '69 and Markevitch from '59 are my favorites.
DG was never known as an audiophile label. (I read) the L.P.s were equalized for cheap European record players and so sounded "tinny" and bass shy when exported to the U.S. and played on more expensive playback equipment. Note I'm talking about DG L.P.s from the 1960s--70s. Whether they were later equalized for U.S. playback I have no idea. I have no complaints about DG from any decade; but I'm not an audiophile.
Hello love your reviews of viny s but as I collect cds Sorry about that I buy your recommended recordings on cd format so Thankyou
DG try to reissue their masterpiese vinyl by themself not to give licence to any analog label of so long. So as they make the new vinyl reissue scheme to the next level which that's good for DG's own or customers
These can all be found in their original form on the second hand market unplayed and still sealed for less so I fail to see the point of buying such re-issues.
Indeed you do...
Yeah, you definitely do fail to see the point.
Amazing