Naxos is an excellent and cost effective method of exploring classical music. However, the quality of the performances and the recording vary from poor/poor to excellent/excellent and everything in between. There is no substitute for taking you time and reading the reviews on any piece of music you want to purchase - careful initial selection will eliminate the need to replace a previous purchase (eventually, you may want alternate performances, but equally good ones.) Other excellent labels include Telarc, Hyperion, BIS, Dorian, Delos, Chandos, EMI, Virgin, Philips, some RCA and Sony. Supraphone for Czech music is fine. None of these are budget labels, except for the major's when they reissue older popular performances which can be quite good. But, ultimately, there is no substitute for a bit of research 1st.
Naxos, the way to go for classical?
Hello,
I need help with getting into classical. I've listened to classical with a passive interest in the past, and was somewhat intimidated by the sheer volume of materials out there. I realize this question has been raised, but I'm looking for a more specific answer; is Naxos the label to get into and stay with to become more familiar with classical music?
I have visited their website and their catalog seems very comprehensive and easy to understand. I have read on another thread that their recording quality and performances are also top notch. I am planning to build up classial library and sticking with Naxos as a way of keeping things simple. Are there other labels that I should look into? My current preferences are sound quality, performance, cost, and catalogue comprehensiveness, in those order. Please share your experiences and recommendations whether this is the right approach. My thanks in advance.
I need help with getting into classical. I've listened to classical with a passive interest in the past, and was somewhat intimidated by the sheer volume of materials out there. I realize this question has been raised, but I'm looking for a more specific answer; is Naxos the label to get into and stay with to become more familiar with classical music?
I have visited their website and their catalog seems very comprehensive and easy to understand. I have read on another thread that their recording quality and performances are also top notch. I am planning to build up classial library and sticking with Naxos as a way of keeping things simple. Are there other labels that I should look into? My current preferences are sound quality, performance, cost, and catalogue comprehensiveness, in those order. Please share your experiences and recommendations whether this is the right approach. My thanks in advance.