Serious Classical Labels

These are great suggestions. This would be all digital. I'm trying to make sense of unfamiliar labels through Arkiv Music. Fantastic selection, but little information about the labels. Trying to pick cds with consistently high production values, and avoid stinkers, although I suppose the odd bad one is inevitable when buying music unheard.

BIS
Glossa Music
MA Recordings

Alia-Vox is another excellent label not yet mentioned.

There are several classical music magazines to check out such as Gramophone that review CDs. They also publish a yearly book. American Record Review also contains all classical reviews.
The Penguin Guides were always useful although they are no longer published. I'm sure you can find some used copies.

02-26-12: Bifwynne
Where can one source these labels.... Are these re-issues or just old pressings that are still being bought and sold?

Hi Bruce,

Amazon would be a good place to start. As you probably realize, in addition to their own stock a lot of independent sellers sell through their site, offering both out-of-print and currently available recordings.

AcousticSounds.com also offers at least some recordings from a lot of the labels that have been mentioned. Their listings are sortable by genre, label, and format.

Best regards,
-- Al