How to Build a Classical Music CD Collection
Contents
A step by step guide to help you build a classical music CD collection from the ground up.
Introduction
A CD collection of classical music can be a great way to get closer to the music you love. With so many different recordings of each piece of music available, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will give you some tips on how to build a classical music CD collection that you can enjoy for years to come.
1) Start by buying CDs of your favorite pieces of music. If you’re not sure what your favorite pieces are, ask a friend or family member who is familiar with classical music for recommendations. You can also check out online guides or listen to samples of different recordings before you buy.
2) Once you have a few favorite CDs, start branching out and exploring different performers, styles, and eras of classical music. If you’re not sure where to start, consider picking up a compilation CD that features a variety of different pieces and performers.
3) As you expand your collection, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of recordings, such as live concerts or studio recordings. You may even want to purchase some historical recordings from the early days of recorded sound.
4) Finally, remember that your classical music CD collection should be enjoyable for you first and foremost. Don’t worry about following trends or building the “perfect” collection; just focus on choosing recordings that you will personally enjoy listening to again and again.
Why Collect CDs?
CDs are becoming increasingly hard to find. With the advent of digital streaming services, many people are ditching their CD collections and opting for the convenience of streaming. However, there are still many reasons to build a CD collection.
The Physical Product
CDs are tangible, unlike digital music files. CDs take up physical space, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how much room you have. But for music lovers, having a CD collection is a way to show off their taste in music and to have a visual representation of the artists they love. CDs also make it easy to browse your collection and to find the music you want to listen to.
The Artwork
Your CD collection is a reflection of your musical taste, and the artwork on the covers and in the liner notes can be as important as the music itself. Many CDs come with extensive liner notes that provide valuable information about the music and the performers. You may find yourself returning to these notes again and again as you listen to the CD.
Artwork can also be an important factor in your decision to purchase a particular CD. We often choose CDs based on our favorite performers, but we may also be attracted to a particular album cover or design. A well-designed CD cover can make a big difference in our enjoyment of the music.
The Sound Quality
The first and most important reason to buy a CD instead of downloading music is sound quality. When you buy a CD, you are getting an exact copy of the music as it was recorded in the studio. CDs are made from a master recording, which is created from the original tapes of the music recording session. The master is used to make a negative mold, called a stamper, from which the discs are pressed. If there are any flaws in the master recording, they will be duplicated on the CDs made from it.
Downloaded music files are compressed so that they can be transferred quickly over the internet. This compression process inevitably causes some loss of sound quality. The amount of sound quality lost depends on the type of compression used and how much compression is applied. Even so-called “lossless” compression schemes result in some loss of sound quality.
How to Collect CDs
For the longest time, the only way to listen to music was to either go to a concert or play an instrument yourself. However, with the invention of the phonograph in 1877, people were able to listen to music in their own homes for the first time. This quickly led to the mass production of music recordings on discs, which we now know as CDs.
Start with Your Favorite Artists
It can be helpful to start your collection with your favorite artists. This can give you a sense of direction and focus as you continue to add CDs. If you’re not sure where to start, ask friends or family members for recommendations. Once you have a few CDs, you can begin to branch out and explore new genres and artists.
If you’re looking for something specific, like classical music from the Baroque period, make sure to check out used bookstores and secondhand shops. These places are often great sources for finding hard-to-find CDs. Once you’ve started building your collection, it can be helpful to create a system for organizing your CDs. This will make it easier to find the discs you’re looking for and keep track of your collection.
Check Out the Essentials Lists
If you’re just starting out, you may want to check out some “essentials” lists to get an idea of what’s important in the world of classical music. These are usually compiled by music experts and provide a great starting point for building your collection. You can find links to a few essential lists below.
Once you’ve looked through these lists, you’ll probably have a good sense of what kinds of pieces you want to focus on. If you’re interested in a particular composer, period, or style of music, you can use this as a starting point for your collection. Remember, though, that these lists are just meant to be a starting point – don’t feel like you have to collect every piece on them!
Classical Music Essentials Lists:
-The 50 Greatest Pieces of Classical Music: This list was compiled by the London Symphony Orchestra and provides a great overview of some of the most important pieces in the classical repertoire.
-The 10 Greatest Symphonies of All Time: This list, compiled by Gramophone magazine, is limited to symphonies but provides an excellent introduction to this important genre.
-The 5 greatest opera composers of all time: This list from Classic FM focuses on opera composers and provides a great introduction to this genre.
Join a CD of the Month Club
One great way to get started on your collection is to join a CD of the month club. There are several available, and they specialize in different kinds of music. For example, the Classic Music Collector’s Club specializes in classical music, while the Jazz CD Club specializes in, well, jazz. These clubs often offer introductory rates that make it easier to take the plunge and get started.
When you’re just getting started, it can be helpful to have someone else do the legwork for you in terms of finding new CDs to add to your collection. That’s one of the advantages of joining a club like this. Every month, you’ll get a new CD (or multiple CDs) that fit with your interests, and you can add them to your collection without having to do any extra research. Granted, you may not love every CD you receive this way, but it’s a great way to broaden your musical horizons and build up your collection quickly.
How to Store and Care for Your CDs
Proper storage of your CDs is essential to keeping them in good condition and preventing damage. CDs should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you have a large collection, you may want to consider investing in a CD storage cabinet. Be sure to use care when handling your CDs and avoid touching the playing surface.
Create a Filing System
It’s important to have some system for organizing your CDs. You might want to file them alphabetically by composer, or by time period, or by genre. Some people like to group their music according to mood, or according to the size of the ensemble (e.g., solo piano music vs. symphonies). There is no right or wrong way to do this – it’s purely a matter of personal preference.
Once you’ve decided on a system, label each CD case with a number or code, and write down the details in a notebook or on a computer database. This will help you to keep track of what you have, and where it is.
Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
Ultraviolet rays can damage the polycarbonate plastic used to make CDs, so it’s important to keep them out of direct sunlight. If you have a CD player in your car, consider investing in a sunlight-resistant case, or be diligent about taking your CDs with you when you leave the vehicle.
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Use a Cleaning Kit
To prolong the life of your CDs and keep them sounding their best, you should clean them periodically. You can buy a commercial cleaning kit, or use a soft cloth and mild soap. Be sure to rinse the CD thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
To clean your CDs:
-Start by blowing off any surface dust with compressed air. If you don’t have compressed air, you can use a soft, clean paintbrush.
-If the surface is still dirty, dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with mild soap and water. Wipe the CD in a circular motion from the center out.
-Rinse the CD thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
-Dry the CD with a soft, clean lint-free cloth. Wipe in a circular motion from the center out.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea of the different types of classical music CDs available, you can start building your collection. Remember to focus on the composers and performers that you enjoy most. With a little time and effort, you’ll have a collection of classical music CDs that you can enjoy for years to come.
