Classical Vinyl Reviews (Audiophile): Columbia / CBS, Decca, CBC, RCA Victorola and Nonesuch

The third set of Reviews for Classical Audiophile Vinyl Records. We search for Audiophile quality within the following labels:
Columbia / CBS Masterworks, Decca, CBC, RCA Victorola, and Nonesuch
Just a Quick Note: American Columbia and CBS are the same label, it can be confusing but basically the older stereo records were called just "Columbia" and they they transitioned to " CBS" or "CBS Masterworks" The Label was later bought out by Sony so in the digital era you will see "Sony Music Masterworks" and Later "Sony Classical Records" which hold the same recordings and reissue many older Columbia recordings.

[@chiphoward5863]

I started my own classical music collection a few years ago with the Analogue Productions series of reissues, but frankly I’ve been lost when it comes to which original labels are worth buying. Your videos are incredibly helpful, and your enthusiasm for the genre is really infectious! I hope you’ll keep them coming!

[@VinylBliss]

Yes it can be confusing which labels at what time frame will give a good sonic result. I'm starting to get a sense through trial and error on over the course of many disc listening sessions. It can be so rewarding to find a knock out disc for little money and there are plenty out there. I would say originals are a safer bet (if affordable) unless the repressing is modern. A new video is coming very soon, it's done for the most part I'm just putting the final touches. Thank you for checking out the videos!

[@gsherlock]

In English Bizet is pronounced Bee -Zaa not Biz et, Haydn Hi -Den not Hay den and Handel is frenetic not Hen Dal.

[@VinylBliss]

Thank you. I actually knew it was "Bee-zay" or "Bee-Zaa" for some reason sometimes it just comes out wrong and I don't notice until I'm editing.

[@lukesargent8350]

Good reviews, and I appreciate the detailed takes on what each labels generally sound like. But sorry man… you need to work on your pronunciation! 😂 Haydn is “Hi-din,” Brahms is “Brawms,” and Handel is “Handle”

[@VinylBliss]

I will try! Yep, I just checked , I said: Heyy-dinn....only about ten times :)

[@lukesargent8350]

@@VinylBliss I spelled them out the way they are typically pronounced. You were saying it like “Hayden”. Check out David Hurwitz’s channel if you are unsure about composer pronunciation, he has thousands of videos for any given piece of music and has been a music critic for years. But I don’t mean to diminish your content, I really enjoy it! I am new to vinyl and you are helping me figure out what is good (and what isn’t)!

[@VinylBliss]

@@lukesargent8350 Yes absolutely, I edited my comment before you replied, I managed to figure out that you were sounding it out the correct way for me, thank you for that! I love watching Dave Hurwitz's videos, very very informative.

[@samuelbruce1425]

Excellent reviews! Your choice of Saint Saen's Adagio for Symphony No. 3 as the introduction is perfect. I'm sending these to my friends so hopefully you'll get some more well-deserved subscriptions. Keep up the good work!

[@VinylBliss]

Many thanks for the encouraging words! I will post a new one in a day or so focusing on Everest and EMI. Saint-Saëns is one of my all time favorite composers ( Symphony 3 and the 5 piano concertos especially).

[@angelroman9170]

Excellent videos. I've only been collecting classical music for a few years and I love your recommendations and approach to records. Plus, many of these can be found here in Europe. Congratulations

[@VinylBliss]

Yes keep going! Don't forget to check the dollar bins. I'm sure you know already but there can be real gems in there especially classical records that don't have traditional classical record looking covers or less well known artists.

[@angelroman9170]

Absolutely! You can still find good classic vinyl at a good price and take home titles you weren't expecting or looking for. A pleasant adventure searching through the bins. But it is always better to have a little knowledge about the product in front of you, to have as few bad surprises as possible, and that is why the work of those of you who expose your knowledge to the community is phenomenal.

[@dat1phoenix173]

You deserve more subscribers. I like your detailed presentation

[@VinylBliss]

Thank you so much for the kind words Phoenix. I will keep trying.