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Title: The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs & Dvds: 2003/4 Edition by Ivan March, Edward Greenfield, Robert Layton, Ivan Penguin Guide to Compact Discs March, Paul Czajkowski ISBN: 0-14-101384-2 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 30 September, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.92 (12 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: Bias
Comment: I generally think this is a very good reference tool, however I strongly agree of bias towards American orchestras/quartets, etc. As an example, one of the things I like about Penguin is that they review a LOT of cds. So how could you not even mention Bernsteins DG cycle of Mahlers symphonies. Look it up-with all of their individual reviews of symphonies 1-9, not even referenced as good or bad.. Also, the Cleveland String Quartet not being mentioned for the Beethoven quartets, their work is outstanding and known worldwide--again, nada.. I love European musicians and my cd library reflects that, however I sure wouldn't use this as a definitive guide or you'll miss some great music. Of the heavy hitters, if you can only choose one, I would recommend it be Gramophone.
Rating: 5
Summary: Indispensible Resource
Comment: This latest edition of the Penguin Guide to CD's & DVD's remains an indispensible resource for the lover of classical music. This is still the most complete, comprehensive and up-to-date guide to what CD's are available and how a number of talented and experienced reviewers rate them. All major composers are listed as are all of their major works;numerous CD's are reviewed and recommended for each. Ivan March, editor, has made some changes moving some composers to the semi-annual update book due to size constraints. He has added a very useful "key" that designates certain CD's as building blocks for a comprehensive classical CD library and an appendix listing recommended CD's of certain select performances for certain "important" composers.
The Gramophone Good CD Guide, Third Ear(a bit dated), and The Rough Guide are good supplements to The Penguin Guide. The Penguin is still the book to own if you could only choose one. It is important to remember that some CD's covered are only available in Europe, although they can be easily ordered over the internet from UK or European suppliers.
Rating: 4
Summary: Nice Comparative Balance to Gramophone
Comment: Having both these suggestive music samplers, I feel that the two in conjunction provide the listener's potential CD purchases with great comparison value.
Just from a layout usage aspect, the Gramophone is much easier for me to use, being its liberal use of white space and headlines which pop and allow quicker access to the review I'm looking for.
Also, I concur with others in the British bias. However, a challenge to one's tastes and likes is always good. Also, the Gramp. excels in yet another category for this reviewer, in that the Intro section is much welcomed and valuable with its discussion of eras and recommendations.
One star less for the Penguin.
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Title: Gramophone Classical Good Cd Guide 2004 by Emma Lilley ISBN: 0860249972 Publisher: Music Sales Corporation Pub. Date: 01 September, 2003 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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Title: The Penguin Guide to Jazz on Cd by Richard Cook, Brian Morton ISBN: 0140515216 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 29 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
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Title: Classical Music: Third Ear: The Essential Listening Companion by Alexander J. Morin, Harold C. Schonberg ISBN: 0879306386 Publisher: Backbeat Books Pub. Date: 10 July, 2001 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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Title: The NPR Guide to Building a Classical CD Collection : The 350 Essential Works by Theodore Libbey, Ted Libbey ISBN: 0761104879 Publisher: Workman Publishing Pub. Date: 01 August, 1999 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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Title: Gramophone Classical Good CD Guide, 2003 (Gramophone Classical Good CD Guide, 2003) by James Jolly ISBN: 0860249026 Publisher: Music Sales Corporation Pub. Date: 01 September, 2002 List Price(USD): $27.95 |
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