Gramophone, Classic FM . . . ?

[CJSF]

Not quite sure where to put this one? So her goes . . . Forgetting all the backwards and forwards, up and down of the latest and greatest hifi kit . . . essentially I want to listen to music. I find modern rock music hard on the ears at best and down right awful most of the time at worst . . . I seem to be erring towards Jazz and Classical music as I get older, even moor to Classical these days. But I know very little about said classical music, apart from, I often like what I hear but have no idea what its called, then when the title is given, seems to sound like an epistle, plus judging the quality of a recording is hard on the car radio? I've thought of investing in a monthly subscription to 'Gramophone' or 'Classic FM', reviews and views type reading I can pick up and put down easily, the Classic FM magazine seems good value with a 'Collectible CD' on the front each month. Do they talk in hifi terms, musical and recording quality, or is it a load of nostalgia and mediocrity. I remember my Father used to love 'Your 100 Best Tunes' on the radio, but when he bought the offers, he was very disappointed with the quality, and he was not into hifi! Any views or alternative suggestions? CJSF

 

[Andrew Everard]

You can read reviews from Gramophone here, to see whether the style suits your needs. Of course I'd suggest Grampohone is your best choice – it's a very long way from nostalgia and mediocrity, and apparently even has some rather good reviews of hi-fi equipment –, but of course Classic FM magazine is jolly good, too! Oh, and the Gramophone Player (linked to from the Gramophone home page) lets you listen to excerpts from the best new releases of the month

 

[matthewpiano]

Gramophone has long been the gold standard for reviews of classical recordings and I think it has maintained that.

I'd also highly recommend BBC Music Magazine though. It's reviews are just as authoritative these days, and some of the articles are very good. The real highlight is the cover mount CD which contains full length works each month. The standard varies but most are very good, and a few are absolutely first rate.

I'm not overly fond of Classic FM myself but if you are earlier on in your voyage of discovery you might find its more approachable style exactly what you require.

 

[Crocodile]

Maybe have a play with Last FM's classical section. When you hear something you like, you'll be able to see what it is & then go chasing the best versions of it.

http://www.last.fm/music/+tag/classical

You can also listen to Classic FM online. This will also display what's playing.

http://ukrp.musicradio.com/classicfm/live

Or Linn Radio.

http://radio.linnrecords.com/cast/tunein.php/linnclassical/playlist.asx

 

[CJSF]

Very helpfull gents, thank you so much . . . CJSF