New to classical..looking for recommendations

Basic information at this link may be helpful: http://www.good-music-guide.com/index.htm

I also suggest searching around on YouTube and just listen to a random variety of classical music. This may help you discover which classical forms you might prefer (for example, full symphonies versus concertos, small group recordings, choral works, operatic, etc ). It should also help you realize if certain instruments (piano versus strings, woodwinds, brass, etc.) capture your fancy more than others as well as which composers might appeal to you the most. Once you have a feel for those things, you can be a lot more focused in your search for recommendations.

Some of the labels that are geared to classical and that have a reputation for consistently putting out CDs that are exceptionally well recorded include Chandos, Delos, ECM, Erato, Harmonia Mundi, Helios, Hyperion, Mercury Living Presence, Naxos, Reference Recordings, and Teldec.

I don't have any specific suggestions but elusive disc is discounting some classical sacd's http://www.elusivedisc.com/Save-On-Classical-SACDs/products/2281/

Sorry but it looks like the sales ends today the 31st.

Chuck

I second Lowrider 57’s “Amazon" suggestion. It’s a terrific source that allows you to audition before buying and provides you with the option to buy new or used from a variety of customer rated sellers.

Begin with a search of the "Living Stereo” catalog. You’ll be introduced to a number of fine classic recordings, by storied conductors and orchestras, in both CD and hybrid SACD. The prices for these are usually very reasonable. I’ve taken note that there is a 60 CD box set being offered for less that $83. That’ll get you up and running.

You can hardly go wrong with Rushton's posts on this site, but I would also recommend the Classics Today and Audiophile Audition websites, which offer guidance on new releases. You'll find that opinions about artists and recordings, new and old, can vary enormously, which is part of the fun of classical music. And now I'm going to toot my own horn, by recommending two sites for which I write reviews occasionally, sa-cd.net and pstracks.com. They are specifically oriented toward audiophiles -- you might as well get the best sound while you're at it!