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How do you find BEST classical recordings???

So many recordings of the same piece! Of course we all want great sonics and great performances. Some go for technique, others go for emotion, etc. The question is: when you want to hunt down the best recording of a particular piece, where do you go for info? What criteria do you use? Got any good tips?

(answers should apply to CD's and vinyl)
peter_s
celtic66
990 posts
 
Try avguide.com/filmmusic/music/supercdlist2002.jsp for HP's listing.
subaruguru
1,353 posts
 
Bravo!
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I recommend National Public Radio (NPR) Performance Today book called "The Basic Record Library". It has over 800 listings with catalog numbers. It is available online for only $10 at this link...
http://shop.npr.org/catalog/Product.jhtml?CATID=8&PRODID=78


Online they have a list of 50 essential recordings. They are up to 39 so far, so you can check back each week. The whole list so far is at this link...
http://www.npr.org/programs/pt/features/pt50.html
peter_s OP
1,088 posts
 
Pls1 - I have to chime in to thank you along with all the others for the answer to my question. By the way, has anyone used AMG online?
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Being a classical music "nut" myself, I dare say Pls1's post is a reference. I second his comments on the Penguin, Gramophone & Fanfare guides on all points & one more: esp. on Penguin, I find inconsistencies in the recommendations. OTOH, older Gramophones' notes are a reference.
Again, www.classicaldigest.com is a good source.
I can add:
The Diapason guide (in French) was very good, and more consistent, and it also mentioned vinyl -- but the last issues, late '80s, are dated and difficult to find.
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