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Where to find hi-quality CD's of classical music

Season's Greeting, One and All,

I'm a lover of classical music and would like to find a source, on the internet (and/or elsewhere) to purchase hi-quality classical CD's. I live in Tucson, AZ - a nice place to live, but somewhat lacking in venues to satisfy my classical music interests. So, I ask you: Would you, perchance, be able to point me towards a site, store, source, where I could purchase what I call hi-quality CD's, meaning, music recorded with hi-fidelity, and quality recording standards as the goal. If memory serves me, I sort of recall reading somewhere that one could tell if a CD was a quality recording by some type of symbol or code on the jewel box label or on the CD itself. Does anyone know if there's any truth to that? Any and all input would be much appreciated.

georgester
georgester
tm4tm
7 posts
 
In addition to local public libraries, check out nearby college and university libraries. Borrowing privileges usually attach to becoming a "Friend of the Library," usually for a nominal fee. But check to see whether music CDs circulate. Some schools are more restrictive in their borrowing policies. Some have listening areas within the library.

For purchases, check out BerkshireRecordOutlet.com, which features a wide variety of classical (and other) recordings at discount prices. They have an online catalog.

Also, check out ClassicsToday.com for classical reviews with sound quality ratings.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Berkshire Records is outstanding,thet have a yummy actual store near Tanglwood.
As stated however,the research is up to you, some labels like Dorain and Hyperion hardly ever make anything but quality.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
Tm4tm, it is very rare that music libraries allow their CD's to circulate, especially to non-students. If there is one near you, you are lucky.
tm4tm
7 posts
 
Learsfool,

I don't know about Arizona. But in PA at least, any resident, i.e., taxpayer, is elegible for a (free) library card at the Penn State University library system. I also know of other non-PSU schools that have excellent music collections, even though they are not known primarily as "music libraries." It can't hurt to ask what the policies are for "Friends" and, for state-funded schools, residents. Usually the information is published on a library's website. If it's not, send an email expressing your interest to the head of circulation. You never know.
tm4tm
7 posts
 
FWIW, I just checked the U of Arizona Libraries website. Looks like a Friend's card is $125/year, and music CDs and records circulate for 7 days at a time for this type of patron.
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