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Classical Recording


Synopsis


Classical Recording: A Practical Guide in the Decca Tradition is the authoritative guide to all aspects of recording acoustic classical music. Offering detailed descriptions, diagrams, and photographs of fundamental recording techniques such as the Decca tree, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the essential skills involved in successfully producing a classical recording. Written by engineers with years of experience working for Decca and Abbey Road Studios and as freelancers, Classical Recording equips the student, the interested amateur, and the practising professional with the required knowledge and confidence to tackle everything from solo piano to opera.

Caroline Haigh, John Dunkerley, Mark Rogers

Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of Classical Recording

Classical music recording plays a vital role in preserving and disseminating the world's musical heritage. It allows listeners to enjoy performances by great musicians, even those who lived centuries ago. Classical recordings are also used for educational purposes, helping students learn about music history and theory.

Example: The 1989 recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Herbert von Karajan, is considered one of the greatest classical recordings of all time. The recording captures the orchestra's thrilling performance of this iconic work, and has been praised for its clarity, balance, and overall musicality.

Chapter 2: The Recording Process

Classical recording is a complex process involving several steps:

* Planning and preparation: The recording engineer and producer work with the musicians to determine the best way to capture the performance.
* Setup and equipment: The recording equipment is set up in the concert hall or other recording space.
* Recording: The performance is recorded using microphones and other equipment.
* Editing and mixing: The raw recording is edited and mixed to create the final product.

Example: The 2017 recording of Chopin's Piano Concertos by pianist Yuja Wang and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra was recorded at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The recording engineer used a variety of microphones to capture the sound of the piano and the orchestra, and spent several days editing and mixing the recording to achieve the desired sound.

Chapter 3: The Role of the Recording Engineer

The recording engineer plays a crucial role in the classical recording process. The engineer is responsible for capturing the performance with accuracy and realism, while also ensuring that the recording is musically pleasing.

Example: The legendary recording engineer John Culshaw was known for his groundbreaking work in classical recording. Culshaw developed new techniques for microphone placement and recording balance, and his recordings are considered some of the finest ever made.

Chapter 4: The Role of the Producer

The producer is responsible for overseeing the entire recording process, from planning and preparation to editing and mixing. The producer works closely with the recording engineer and the musicians to ensure that the final recording meets the highest artistic standards.

Example: The Grammy Award-winning producer Judith Sherman has produced some of the most acclaimed classical recordings of all time, including the 1994 recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 9 by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

Chapter 5: The Future of Classical Recording

Classical recording is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging all the time. Advances in digital recording and editing have made it possible to capture performances with greater clarity and realism than ever before.

Example: The 2020 recording of Beethoven's "Diabelli Variations" by pianist Igor Levit was recorded using a revolutionary new microphone system that captures the sound of the piano with unprecedented accuracy. The recording has been praised for its stunning realism and intimate sound.