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Classical Music/Is there bad classical music?

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Expert: - 11/18/2011


Question
Dear Sir,

In pop/rock, or even jazz, music, there is no surprise to find that every year, there are many bad CDs released.

But it seems to me that there are very few reviews which said a classical music CD only deserves 1 out of 5 stars.

So, is it true that the quality of classical artists are so high that we cannot find any bad CD out there?

Thank you.

Answer
Kevin,

Trust me.  There are plenty of bad recordings out there.  However, most of them are on smaller local labels.  They are the ones that escape review.  Another issue is that studio recordings have the advantage of allowing multiple takes.  If that difficult passage falls flat, they just try again and seamlessly plug the better attempt into the recording.

I hope this helps,
Craig

Classical Music

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Craig Doolin

Expertise

I can answer any questions about classical music, including opera, early music, instruments, and music theory. I have a special interest in experimental or modern music.

Experience

I have a masters in musicology and have completed all but my dissertation in Ph.D. studies at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.

Publications
I have written program notes for orchestras and opera companies throughout the US.

Education/Credentials
I have a BME in music education from Morehead State University in KY, a MA in music history from Marshall University in WV, and am working on a Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.

Past/Present Clients
San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, University of Southern California, University of South Carolina, Columbus (GA) Symphony Orchestra, Lucca Opera Festival (Italy), Bay Atlantic Symphony (NJ), Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, Cascade Symphony, Lincoln (NE) Symphony, Boise Philharmonic, Augusta (GA) Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Pine Bluff (AR) Symphony

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