Tchaikovsky, Capriccio Italien, Kondrashin, RCA reissue by Classic Records - a great performance and a clear example of early poor mastering effort by Classic Records. This LP demonstrates why so many got turned off by the Classic efforts early on. Contrast with...
Royal Ballet Gala Performances, Ansermet, RCA reissue by Classic Records - excellent performances with exceptional recording engineering by the great Kenneth Wilkinson (a Decca recording under contract wih RCA, as are most of the great "RCA" recordings). This LP demonstrates how EXCELLENT some Classic Records later mastering efforts are, simply superb sound quality. (Yes, I know there are "collectors" who disagree, but this LP is so true to the sound/timbre of instruments I hear live that I'll just have to differ.)
Janet Baker, Berlioz/Les Nuits d'Ete - why is the artist listed first and not the composer? If you know the incomparable voice and singing of Janet Baker, you will understand.
Vivaldi/Bach, Concerti, Schroeder/Ritchie/Fuller, Reference Recordings RR23. Truly fine period instruments performances captured in the recording as only Keith Johnson can - sound is a bit dry as most Reference Recordings tend to be, but the timbre of the instruments and soundstaging are spot on.
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