Classical Recordings from the Golden Age


Hello All,After having accidentally damaged Quad 2905 panels in both speakers, I’ve been sending speaker after speaker out for panel replacements. So currently, I am right back in mono mode while having a speaker sent out for said repair. The logical choice in a situation like this would be, to strictly play mono recordings. My CD collection is for the most part made up of stereo recordings however, I should add that many of my favorite CD’s are mono remasters from the golden age on labels like Andate, Orfeo d’Or, Music and Arts of America, Testament and Pearl, Great Pianists of the 20th Century, etc.... And, those that especially stand out as favorites are live recordings, i.e.the Salzburg Festival.One major priority when CD shopping is to look for well done remasters from the original sources. The Andante label was far and above a stand out when it came to digital remastering and I so wish they were still in business. However, Orfeo d’Or is a black belt label and now my primary go to for historical recordings. I should note that the Clara Haskil Salzburg Festival recording is remarkable as is the Irmgard Seefried Recordings 1944-67 box set. The Gerard Souzay disc on Testament is a treasure.I could go on listing my favorites but I’m wondering if others also collect mono remasters and if so, what are your recommendations?
goofyfoot

Showing 2 responses by schubert

One of the the worst things in recording history is the CBS ear bleed
given to Szell and his fantastic Clevelanders !


goofyfoot , sometimes I think Brahms is my heart .Believe this it or not , I have a Nonesuch Album cover of his Viola Sonatas with Michael Tree and Richard Goode dead center on the wall between my speakers , Said cover has a semi-psychodelic purpleish picture of Brahms at his best, beard and all .In the last few years I have had 5 ladies look at it and say " how did you get that painting of yourself ?"

I thought they were nuts till I held it up against my my face in the bathroom mirror and in about 30 seconds it dawned on me that his picture looked just like me I kid you not . !
True, BUT it could have been vinyl !
Brahms was a good-looking about 50 on the Nonesuch .