Also, it’s absolutely fantastic how you really appreciate and love the art of making these recordings and how they are presented. A kid in a candy shop! Never grow old !
Also, I remember as a young photo assistant walking into the studio and these cds were there - The great men of music. Wow! It opened up a whole new world for me. I bought a stereo and started to buy cd’s at tower records. The staff became my friends (Randy) for one. It was a magical experience to go alone and search for all this music I never heard before. I still have all my classical cds and still listen to the great men of music. And this is where I discovered Bach! Bach I listen to almost every day. Thank you for posting this video. These sets are very important and have exposed many of young and old to new music
Your presentation here reminds me of when I was a kid back in 1959 and started mowing lawns in the neighborhood for a buck a pop. As a result of that income I began to buy classical music albums out of the bargain bin at the local WT Grant Co 5&10 store for 50 cents a piece and no sales tax. I wore those albums out on an old cheap record player and never once was disappointed in the quality. The imagination of the composers and skill of the conductors and musicians always came through. Thank you Mike for triggering those old memories.
I’m a week away from returning to Canada- after our regular stay with family in Vietnam, and our home and the music collection which contains several of your referenced ‘Readers Digest’ sets and can’t wait to spend some time with them. Absolutely appreciate your wonderful advocacy of the phenomenal gift of classical music - priceless. I’m also of the view that one can’t really have too many records, but my dear wife does not concur
I was in college and one of the last Reiner recordings came out in the Readers Digest set. I wrote to Readers Digest and told them I couldn't afford the set. They sent me the recording of Brahms 4th symphony which did not appear again until they were redone by Chesky records in LP and CD. The quote was from Reiner that it was his most beautiful sounding recording.
Loved your comment about the audience on the Bernstein recording. I moved to Vienna a couple of years ago and a big part of my choosing to move to Austria was the music and tangible sense of walking in the footsteps of the greats. I go to the musikverein a lot and remember how into the music the audiences are here. It’s serious stuff here and it’s not just the rich. Classical music is for everyone and one can pay as little as €6 to see top class performers there. I also managed to finagle my way into some private concerts held in a small medieval palace here. It’s incredible a low arched room lit only by candle light and anything post baroque is considered modern! I don’t know if you have ever been here but you must come and if you do, let me know, if one of those concerts are on when you are here then I will take you along with me. Free wine and nibbles and a very very eclectic crowd. The first time I went I ended up in conversation with an Italian Count a Cardinal visiting from Rome and a Scholar on Shakespeare!
Earlier this year I did a major splurge (for me, a retiree on social security, dipped a bit into the nest egg) and bought the Bernstein Centennial half-speed remastered box set (1666/1750). I have a modest, but good, stereo system. However, I wanted to hear the premier playing of the Symphony No. 9 on a system worthy of this pinnacle music. The Sound Environment of Omaha, Nebraska graciously accommodated an old customer and played all three sides on their current top system (Lyra Atlas/Graham Phantom/TechDAS A. F. III/VTL phono and line preamps/Gryphon class A amp/Wilson Alexxes) in a good room (Peter McGrath approved). It was wonderful. Even close to the edge of the High Plains, there remain a few independent brick and mortar dealers that will let you listen to the good stuff even though they know it is way above your (former, see above) pay grade. p.s. Earlier today I stopped at a local used record store and found a copy of the 6 disk Solti Gotterdammerung, London ffrr OSA 1604. He let me have it for $10.00 plus tax. Haven't listened to it yet, but it looks to be in pretty good shape. Sometimes the muses smile on you.
Absolutely loved this edition, Michael. Learned so much. I would recommend Brahms 4 with Fritz Reiner and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Readers Digest. Reiner seemed slightly more relaxed in these sessions than he sometimes appeared with the Chicago Symphony and it has a lovely recording.
Mark - This is an eye opening video - I went to one of the local thrift stores the day after watching this and they were having a Spring Sale on all there books, cds & vinyl albums. I picked up the Readers Digest Beethoven Set, a London Haydn Piano Sonatas Box Set and EMI Karajan Beethoven 9th Box Set - all three for six bucks and they are in VG to Mint Condition. What a deal! That’s why you’re the man !
i know im asking randomly but does any of you know a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any help you can give me!
Thank you for locating the gems that are available in my local used record stores. After watching your video I decided that I had to get the Bruno Walter complete Beethoven symphonies recordings. I recently purchased a few box sets that looked like good bargains yet have not listened to yet. Turns out I did purchase the Columbia Symphony Bruno Walter recordings! I played symphonies 1 to 3 last night and your comments on Raiders of the Lost Beethoven symphonies are spot on. The music moves briskly and seems more engaging at least to me. Your videos are informative and entertaining! Thanks again!
Thanks for the lighthearted tutorial on classical box sets. You have a way to make any subject interesting. I once toured several Belgian breweries with a host that had so many great life stories to keep it enjoyable - at least until the tastings began! Big MFer fan.
Can you make a video that goes a bit into depth on some record press companies as well as notable people in the industry. This would be great for new collectors, and I think you'd be a good fit to do a video like such Michael!
As a massive jazz fan I love your collection of Mosaic box sets! Also, I smiled at the Dexter Gordon Blue Note box tucked way up on the shelf behind you! I bought that back when it came out in the 90s and still cherish it. Love your videos, thanks for sharing your amazing knowledge on all things music!
I have the Music of the World's Great Composers set he showed. The recordings are not all my personal favorites, but not bad either. Very thoughtful gift from my wife since most of my classical library is on CD. I concur with his opinion on those box sets - maybe not life-changung performances, but well mastered and pressed, and a great introduction for someone that wants to get started with some of the heavy-hitters.
I bought the George Szell set back in the mid-1970s. It's got that gritty Columbia, early 60s sound, but great performances in my view. Perfect tempo, between the speedy Toscanini and the sometimes lugubrious Klemperer. But I also have others, Toscanini's early 50s recordings of the 7th, 4th and 8th, Bernstein's 4th and 5th and Reiner's 9th (Chicago Symphony). There's so much to choose from.
I totally agree with the Beethoven recommendations. In the CD era the venue of Bruno Walter's Beethoven cycle was revealed as being recorded at Hollywood's Legion Hall, cited as "American Legion Hall'. I would also highly recommend the superb budget André Cluytens Beethoven cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic. It's contemporaneous to the Walter cycle and was produced by Walter Legge of EMI fame.
If you like classical music or want to learn about available recordings (though on CD, not necessarily vinyl), David Hurwitz has a wonderfully informative and entertaining channel on RU-vid now. His knowledge is as voluminous as Michael's, but concentrated solely on classical recordings.
Absolutely enjoyed this one, Mr Fremer...and I'm in complete accord regarding Reader's Digest box sets. The ones that I am buying in London charity shops (aka goodwills) indecently cheaply are splendid, and often come with expansive and novel packaging. May I also add, RD did some fantastic jazz boxes in the 1970s, early and swing jazz mostly. Although the graphics may look a little cheesy, the records are manufactured to a standard that compares well to any other label. Cheers from London, England!
I'm a new fan of your Channel. I'm a classical music lover a recording engineer and I think vinyl has the best sound. I love your wit and your presentation I can't wait to delve into more videos. Analog forever! And of course Beethoven isn't too bad :-)
I have a theory that coughing people in classical recordings were people who decided to smoke a joint in the car before the concert and, being novice smokers, forgot to bring water.
I enjoyed this as I have what I would call a Library of music. I do have the first Beethoven you talked about and did enjoy that version over the rest of what I have. I have picked up the readers digest collections, a few and have enjoyed them. Love this kind of video, Thanks!
I can't believe it...I thought when Mr. Fremer showed the Karajancollection "Oh, I would like that conducted by Leibowitz"...and then it came! Just compare the start of the 7th between Leibowitz and Karajan...Leibowitz is so precise, Karajan not really.
I grew up with a set of RD's "Mood Music For Listening And Relaxation". I always thought they were some of the best-sounding records I'd heard. The music was well arranged and expertly played. I now have two sets, one in great shape with all the paperwork about various RD boxes. My choice of Beethoven-in-a-box is Szell / Cleveland SO, which I first heard when a friend wanted it taped on cassettes from his records. While I was at it, I made open-reel copies for myself. Years later I bought it on CDs.
I heard that playing vinyl records wet was a common practice among radio djs in the 60s-80s, maybe through the 90s, as a quick and easy way to quiet surface noise for radio broadcast without a lengthy cleaning process
The best bargain in records is box sets at the Goodwill. The Goodwill near me only charges .99 cents for these beautiful mostly unplayed multi disk Classical records. I have to stop myself from buying them all.
I first viewed this video when it was uploaded and enjoyed it but I came back and gave it another watch. So much good information. I only have the Bernstein, Jarvi, Karajan and Rattle boxes; love them all. I don't have a favorite but keep going back to Bernstein. So exciting and captivating!
I like to coat my stylus with a blob of Marshmallow Fluff. It allows the the stylus to coat the record with a sweet fluffy goodness. It's a counter to harsh sounding digitally sourced vinyl.
Thank you so much for this Michael, I'm starting into vinyl and I was avoiding classical vinyl at thrifts not because I hate them I'm a big fan specifically of Beethoven works but heard that classical is not great on vinyl and better on cd. A 99 cent scheherazade's korsakov totally changed my mind.
when I first saw the title of the video I thought I don't know if I'd be interested in this but I like Michael so I'll try it. You completely drew me in for the entire 25 minutes. Kudos to you.
Great video. That Leibowitz Beethoven cycle was reissued on CD and vinyl by Chesky. Just one small correction, the Bruno Walter cycle was not recorded at Royce Hall, they used the American Legion Post 43 Auditorium in Hollywood. The building is still there just as it was 60 years ago.
Great Video! I have many of these box sets! Recently opened read! cleaned and Listened/Listening. Some never played since 1958! I Enjoy the Listening! Have so many left to Open! Read! Clean! then Listen!
WONDERFUL topic and video (again)! I have found some great jazz compilation boxes as well as the Reader's Digest stuff and 99% of the time they're absolutely UNPLAYED and pristine. Pennies per side.
Just joined your channel, love it, great hints and tips, although I'm not a novice with vinyl, your shows are great, I know so many people who sold their vinyl records and are regretting it now, I'm so glad I kept all my records, never fell out of love with vinyl, just can't believe it's back, love from the UK 👍👍
Thanks for hipping me to the Bruno Walter Columbia stuff. I grabbed my father in law’s original white promo 6 eye label of him doing the 7th symphony with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra several months ago when he let me pick through his LPs but I had never gotten around to listening to it till this morning.. The performances of the New York CSO stuff by Stravinsky, Bernstein etc are great but I always found the sound a bit dry. I had no idea there was a west coast version. Good god!!! This thing sounds glorious!!!! The cool thing is that as a jazz musician I’ve gotten to play in Royce hall a number of times... what a sound.
Not to be missed the René Leibowitz recording, they are an advance of what we actually call HIP, he uses a small orchestra, more clean textures, very well played, if you find that álbum and is in nice condition, buy it.
I was wondering if you knew if the new SACD release used the single Blumlein pair of mics recording to make them? I just purchased my last SACD/Cd player. P. S. I have the Karajan nine symphony set (tulip borders) in near mint shape with all the paperwork that came with it in mint condition. I paid a dollar for this from a resale shop a few blocks away . after cleaning (and recleaning years later on a Degritter) some of the sides don't even have a pop, tick, anything. I love it. Always love your videos and your takeaways. And your right. Since Covid19, I started watching RU-vid and there is a plethora of useless no nothing reviewers, influencers, opinionates, etc. who have filled the site who feel they have something of value to say . Water on a disc. I guess I missed that one.
I love your reviews Michael. I have a Readers Digest box set of classical music that my wife brought me many years ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. It did introduce me to composers that I had not heard of as a young man and the recoding sounded pretty good on my Thorens belt drive deck with an SME arm and a Shure V15 cartridge. We are talking 1973 here. I still have the same box set. Talking about Simon Rattle, he was a big fan of Mahler I was told which is why he moved to Germany and accepted becoming the principal conductor of a German orchestra.
That Leibowitz Beethoven box was also available on open reel, but I still haven't managed to score it on Ebay, as the bidding always goes way out of my comfort range. Still, there is a CD issue On the Scribendum label (for convenience) and I do have the LP box.
Enjoyed your video. I didn't realize 25 minutes had gone by until you stated, that's all ya wanted to talk about. Guess I'll keep an eye out for a Readers Digest classical box set. 😍 Thumbs up!
I picked up Beethoven 3,5,7 boxed set 3 discs Vienna Philharmonic with Wilhelm Furtwangler on seraphim records 1951-1954. I believe it's a reprint, but it only cost me three bucks at the Salvation Army and It's in near new condition. Somebody donated the records, which I think came from a single collection which included mozart, Brahms etc. so some lucky shoppers snapped those up.
Great video Michael. I will be bin shopping all of those. Off to Music Direct to pick those newer releases. I have recently rediscovered my love for the classics. The wife is really opening up to classical music as well. She even cleans out any classical albums she finds at estate sales! Shwing
Now that was entertaining, alive, fluid (as opposed to dry) commertary on boxed sets. You did a great job busting the myth of box set compilations in general. Along with the Readers Digest, I would've liked to hear your opinion on the Longines Symphonette bowed set
Thanks, that was so informative. It's such a pity so few vinyl lovers appear to be interested in classical music-or maybe they are just not interested in posting on RU-vid. Those RD boxes are phenomenal value. Classical music with it's wide dynamics lends itself perfectly to vinyl, though it needs to be mint or near mint in condition so the quiet bits are not affected by too many pops and clicks. Just my personal opinion but I don't think CD' s did any favours for classical music lovers in terms of sound quality.
It was the Reader’s Digest boxed sets of “Eric Robinson’s World of Music” and “Music For You” both sets of Classical music, that got me into classical music. Dad bought them for us kids in 1968. I also have a Reader’s Digest boxed set of Handel’s Messiah conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent. All very good recordings and have great sleeve notes about the music. I enjoyed your presentation so I’ve subbed 👍😁.
I have all Beethoven Symphonies by Bruno Walter but in separate récords. AFAIK what they called Columbia Symphony Orchestra, was essentially members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra plus some sessions musicians. That was the ensemble that Bruno Walter uses for his releases. When the recordings where made in the east cost, musicians came from NY Philharmonic plus free lance players, that was the ensemble used by Igor Stravinsky and Robert Craft for the complete recording of Webern's Works.
Michael your record collection is unbelievable! My wife thought and still does that my CD collection is nuts but your record collection trounces mine by a long shot!
I grew up with TWO copies of the Toscanini/NBC Symphony box set of the 9 symphonies, along with lots of other records, mostly of American orchestras, the great Reiner/Chicago Bartok Concerto for Orchestra and a ton more, NYPO, Philadelphia, Boston, etc., with Munch, Stokowski, Bernstein, Ormandy, etc. In fact, they're all sitting in the console not 10 feet from me right now (along with a cheap stereo and some Bose 301s my parents got in the 80s). It really cemented how great classical music is in my mind. I must have played some of those dozens, hundreds of times after school when I was home alone. Later when I started collecting CDs I had some of Karajan's 70s Beethoven (and perhaps even more notably, some of his Bruckner and his 60s Sibelius). Bernstein's Brahms in Vienna is also spectacular, my favorites overall. If you can find the piano sonatas (full or partial) on vinyl from Annie Fischer, jump on it. Her Waldstein in particular is amazing, glorious. (I'm actually not sure they're available on LP, maybe CD/streaming only, but still very worth listening to.) Now I'm trying to start my own little boutique label for a wonderful, wonderful double bassist, and I do hope to do some vinyl for her (though all the sources are digital). Here on RU-vid I sometimes check out the various "reaction" videos, and it's fascinating to watch just how incredibly blown away hip-hop artists and metal-heads are when they first hear Beethoven, or Chopin, or first hear Pavarotti sing, or whatever. There is SO MUCH that would blow them away, Bach, Shostakovich, Berlioz, Brahms, Mahler, on and on and on. By and large, engineers and musicians in the classical music world are not so much purists about "analog only". They seem far more likely to happily work all-digital than people on the pop side, as far as I can tell, even on the highest-budget projects. Unlike pop/rock, they are not trying to modify the sound to make it warmer or smoother or anything, they just want it more accurate, more air, more realism, since the original sound of great musicians in a great hall is already so gorgeous. But thee is a certain solidity, certainty, about some of these old recordings on vinyl. You can hear it in Klemperer with the Philharmonia, so monolithic, granitic, just fabulous.
Great video as always. I just wanted to make some point about classical music recordings. The difference between classical music and other kinds of music is that classical pieces are recorded all the time by different orchestras and conductors etc. So it’s important to find an album that combines the best team of musicians with the best conductor in their best effort, along with the best recording and mastering process from the record label. Some times getting both parts (good emotional musicianship with a great recording) doesn’t happen and you might find that the first part is more important that the second.
I have a Bethoven set from The Classic Record Library. Which I feel is in the reasers digest vein. And let me say, this is a QUALITY box set. Well made. Well pressed. They sound beautiful...
7:50. I never heard a Fiedler led classical music recording I didn't like. He was a true musician..never overtly showy on the podium....and never one to "overinterpret" anything. His performances were just plain musical. One can, of course, cite the many short classical works he recorded...all gems...but a true case in point is his one recording of a complete symphony...that of Dvorak's 9th. It's one of the better ones, IMO.
These box sets are sold £1.00 I kid you not . I recently picked up Wagner ‘lohengrin’ 5 Lp set with stunning booklet - £1.00 and Handel’s ‘messiah’ 3 Lp set with booklet again £1.00 both mint condition and sound is spectacular!
After inheriting many readers digest records , along with many Sinatra’s , perry como etc i discovered the quality of the digests and as suggested I’ve been collecting boxes sets of ‘digest’ releases including full Wagner operas which are mint quality- keep up the vids-David H 🏴
Well Mikey, I've had the Readers Digest Beethoven recordings in my collection for some time (my parents bought them and never listened to them thank god) and this video made me give them a try. Gosh darn it if both the performances and recorded sound are pretty good, way better than some digital transfers I've heard recently, now I feel kinda warm when I look at this box set on my shelves.
Great review. The early 60s Von Karajan boxset is a classic that even Karajan himself could not beat with the recordings of the nine later on. Performance and recording were just perfect. The other boxes you mentioned are also of great quality, except the Jarvi efforts perhaps, this conductor just can't compete with giants like Bernstein and Walter.
At 6:42 - Oh my gosh! When you pulled out Music of the World's Great Composers and Festival of Light Classical Music I immediately recognized them! My parents had those. I even played them myself on occasion when I was a kid. Hmmm....I wonder whatever happened to them...
Music of the Worlds Great Composers is the set that got me back onto records a few years ago. I've been all in on digital since the early '90's, and my wife gave me that box set and a terrible Closley table for Christmas. I ditched the Crosley and bought a rebuilt Sanyo with a nice Grado cartridge and have really enjoyed the slow journey back from the dark side.
Just discovered your channel - very nice! Great presentation and looking forward to searching out some your featured LPs. BTW I've got every one of the Beethoven cycles you have mentioned here except for the Walter. Just a few 2-cents from me - the Von Karajan is exactly "classical music" in a nutshell. The Leibowitz is Lvb on crystal meth - insane and pedal to the floor - great. Leibowitz was big into avant-garde music. Jaarvi - OMG - if you are a young person who only knows rock and jazz, then this is the gateway drug. The Jaarvi versions are very much how LvB himself heard them - small, tight, intimate. I saw Jaarvi with this ensemble in Vianna live and it was like the Ramones at CBGBs. Bernstein (please pronounce as rhyming with "learn fine") - the Vienna is big and broad and gooey but I like the NY Phil because its like a New York minute. Anyways - I can blab forever - thanks!
just found bethoven reel to reel tapes ,all symphonies for 2 bucks ,its making me hurry up to finish restoring my deck ...i love hifi never a dull moment ......your vids are great ....
Great video Michael! I got a sealed copy of the 1977 karajan Beethoven box set for 17 bucks on discogs. Probably the best value buy ever for me. Listen to classical kids it's good for you.
Agreed! I like pure classical, early music predating what people generally call classical, such as Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, as well as contemporary classical-style works such as neo-classical. I for one like Yngwie Malmsteen and have an appreciation for Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. There's also a joke on the internet that classical is metal before electricity, and in a sense, that is true in my opinion.
Hi Michael. I really enjoyed this video. Which Bernstein recording do you think sounds better? Normally I would go for recordings as close to the initial pressing as possible. But I am intrigued by the half master recording of the reissue. Can you do a similar video on Mahler symphony box sets?
Really enjoyed this.. Thank you! I cherish my vinyl .. soon I will need to upgrade my turntable.. personally I am very much into analog.. fountain pens, double edge razors, and my vinyl recordings.. thanks for your work! Frank from Boulder, Colorado.. formerly Astoria and Flushing, NYC
my brother got that Karajan set of Beethoven when I was 14 and I haven't turned back from classical since. It changed my life by waking up my mind. I thank the Lord for it as it was a true blessing. I studied composition and piano at the RCM in Toronto and at 62 years of age if I can just get the IV chord and the V chords straight in Jesus Loves Me, I just might get a gig playing for free somewhere !!! Seriously tho, it's the set to have.
This was interesting... made me go and check out my boxed set of Karajan conducting BPO. I'm just getting into hi fi again after getting out of self employment. I had no time to listen to records for 20 years. I do remember the sound on this set as being amongst the best in my collection. It was from the seventies so analogue, whereas most of my classical was from mid eighties so recordings were done digitally and never sounded as 'full evelope.' Getting my turntable checked out before I turn it on for the first time in a decade, but looking forward to giving Beethoven a spin. I hope where I live there will be anything like the variety at the cost you seem to be able to get of old analogue recordings.
HI loved your video very informative.i am old enough to remember Readers Digest lps never owned any but they were always about quality! having returned to vinyl in the last few years i will have to find some of these Classical sets alot of love,respect and talent went into these recordings.some of the recent boxsets you featured are of interest also! Cheers and thanks!
I have 4 Riders Digest box sets. Organ Favorites for one. The Swinging Years. (Not sure if that is the correct title) My point is they sound excellent! They were remastered by RCA Victor.
Great video. I was able to pick up a readers digest box set today at a good Will. Festival of light classical. Great background music and for $5.99 can’t go wrong. Thanks. ✌🏼
I tried that method of yours with the "carbon fiber" brush, and it made a world of difference! My Lps are a lot quieter now, Thanx for the tip "Michael fremer"!
I agree with you both! I especially hate when people plagiarize other people's research and thoughts on the internet. You've got examples such as Philip Miucin and Weegee Plays to look at.
These records like all records take me somewhere.... I found stacks of these ounce at a thrift store in great! Condition. I grabbed a handful and wish now I would of filled my cart up. A couple I grabbed where 78's. Titles... Album of Strauss Waltzes ( Boston Pops Orchestra) victor masterpiece.....Oscar Levent plays Chopin Columbia masterworks....Berlioz L'Enfrance Du Christ Columbia Masterworks...Bizet Carmen Capital hifi....Teatro alla Scala Giuseppe Verdi Il Travatore on Angel? Rossini L'Italiana in Algeri London ffrr and Marilyn Horne James McCracken in the Metropolitan Opera Production of Carmen Georges Bizet Leonard Berstein on grammaphon I love them... Great video I'm glad you share the passion
By coincidence I just listened to the Beethoven 3 and 5, the DG Karajan 1962, in this specific case a Dutch repressing of the early 80's. Silent, good quality vinyl. The new box on 180g vinyl is great too. Thanks for this video!
I have the Reader's Digest - Festival Of Light Classical Music boxset, I paid two dollars for it. It sounds GREAT! My box is red not blue, exactly the same picture though. Cheers
OMG why am I reading your comment from a thread I read last night on a totally different subject for a totally different video below this video about analog recordings of Beethoven? Weird!!
I have those Readers Digest RCA classic boxset first heard on my dad’s record player and it was so great sounding and involving ,I have learned my love of Opera now. Still love my sticky fingers album.
