Dear Reader,
I hope this finds you well. As we continue the Essential Classics series, I have decided to make a few changes. After the first post in the series featuring Dvorak’s Symphony no. 9 “From the New World”, a friend asked “Do you have an editor?”. Point taken. Thus, I have hired an editor: myself. I am aware the first post in the series was too lengthy, and I will adjust accordingly.
In order to simplify things for the reader, as well as for myself, each classical work will be presented with a relatively short history and then the recommended recordings will be more streamlined into the categories:
Desert Island Recordings - The top recommended recording(s). Indispensable. Essential. Outstanding.
Recommended Recordings - Excellent recordings that demonstrate a very high level of artistic merit, are of historical interest, have something important, new or unique to say about the work presented, or that possess a combination of these elements. The quality of the recorded sound is also an important consideration.
Notes on Other Recordings - Thoughts on other selected recordings which may be of interest to the listener.
Rather than attempting to review every available recording of a work, the focus will be on the best recordings and perhaps a few others that warrant discussion. The goal is to make the posts an easier read, and to still cover the most recommended recordings for each work.
I truly hope these changes will make Building a Classical Music Collection more enjoyable to read. As always, I appreciate your support of this newsletter and your interest in classical music.
See you next time!