Reading the CD Booklet - A Great "Tweak"


As I am on my second last RCA Living Stereo SACD (I bought all 20), it occurred to me how much more I have enjoyed these recordings due to reading the booklet that comes with each disc. Excerpts of letters from Tchaikovsky to his nephew, brother, and publisher about his “Pathetique” Symphony (Symphony No. 6) are within this booklet that lends itself to a greater enjoyment knowing, at least, a bit of the history behind the composition.
I wish that all CDs (or SACDs) that I buy would come with a couple of pages of some relevant information (i.e. its history, the making of the recording itself, etc.), as it greatly increases my connection (enjoyment) of the music.
I don’t believe that this has really been discussed at all in AudiogoN, but how many of you feel the same?
david_berry
Absolutely agree with you. With many composers having an understanding of where they were coming from when they composed their music can make a huge difference.

In my experience most full price CD's do have a booklet with a thumbnail of the composer and the piece. Budget CD's can be a problem. For the more inquisitive, there are many books available for the most popular composers as well which are worth you time if you find youself interested in their music. There are other books available which will give a good overview of the history of classical music from the early ages thru to modern compositions. I believe that understanding the whys of the importance of composers/compositions to their times can also enhance your appreciation of their music.
Yes, the booklet can really be a boone when it is full of info, and a PITA when all it has is one page with a picture on the outside, and the track listings, with no timing or any other info, on the back.
Some of me favorite booklets are with LP box sets! Time Life Jazz series comes to mind.. along with most Opera sets, LP or CD.
Sorry for the late response, but I have been pondering as to how many audiophiles it takes to screw in a light bulb :)
Damn Marco.

At any rate, because of the more fulfilling experience with music listening knowing the background of the composition, I am going to do some reading on a couple of composers that I like, as suggested. It certainly does get one more involved in the hobby.