The Cratedigging Co-Op

Anything that fits under the very broad banner of classical music can go here. Anything from Beethoven to Stockhausen to Gorecki to Part to Penderecki and all points in between. Contemporary composers or performers also welcome.

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RN...

David Oistrakh And The Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted By Aram Khatchaturian ‎– Khatchaturian Violin Concerto LP (Angel Records) 1956



^A gorgeous violin concerto with so many dynamic highs and lows. I have always loved the violin, so I tend to pick these concertos out of my Classical section more often.

I find reviewing classical music is harder than reviewing any other kind of music. It's hard to express in words the nuances classical music has in general or the range of emotions you experience as you listen to a classical record. So I'm not even gonna try with this one.

What i will say is the label "Angel Recordings" is always HQ when it comes to their classical music. Even their record sleeves are manufactured with the utmost quality control as they realize their sleeves are the vessel that holds these records forever. That's why this record that's 60 years old hasn't got a scratch on it. (that and the previous owner was a classical connoisseur so he took meticulous care of all his records I inherited)

I sent this and all my classical records through spin clean to make them as good as I can get them. Some like this turned out spotless. So when I drop the needle there's almost no white noise. That's so important with classical, probably more so than any other genre, that the record is M or NM. With all the dynamic changes in volume and tempo you gotta look for that before buying. With classical, Always buy M or NM.

Anyways, this stuff is my end of week mood changer. I like putting these on in the beginning of a listening session or an end, because in a lot of ways, really nothing beats classical in terms of complex organic music.

I'm rambling. Sorry...

TLDR: This one is good.

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“Lesser artists borrow... great artists steal.” - Igor Stravinsky
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I need to keep an eye out for those Angel LPs. Never seen any of those. One thing that is amazing about older classical recordings is how well they were recorded given the limited technology back then. I also agree about about buying NM or M classical records only. That is, unless you are trying to scratch on them/make beats or something.

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Redolfi - Pacific Tubular Waves/Immersion LP




Another very well done reissue on Recollection GRM. I pretty much buy anything the label puts out because their standards are so high, both in terms of the pieces they select as well as the sound, pressing quality, packaging, etc. These are not cheap, but are worth shelling out for if you dig this kind of stuff. IIRC, both of these pieces were composed on an early digital synthesizer in the late 70s/early 80s. There were synths before this obviously, but they were analog, not digital. Although digital synths used in pop music a few years later often sound very dated today, these pieces sound like they could be made, yesterday IMHO. There are some scattered blips and bleeps, but it's all very composed. I can't tell if the first track utilizes sampling or not, but it definitely gives the feeling of being near the ocean. Not in a bad, new age-y sort of way either. The packaging on this one is interesting as well, with the 3D cover and 3D photo inside, with a little pocket that holds a pair of 3D glasses. Kind of neat but also kind of gimmicky, but when the music is this good I can't criticize that too much.

REGRM Site for Release

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Narciso Yepes - Greatest Hits LP



I don't know anything about this, but had to grab it because 1) it was $2, and 2) I like classical guitar and 3) it's on DG which tends to mean something in terms of quality. Listening now and enjoying it.

Check out this video:

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