Decca recently re-issued the Solti Ring. Each opera was on an SACD but was mounted in an LP sized box with full sized booklet. Maybe that is the way forward as the booklet would be large enough to be easily read.
Len Previous Message
Whilst in agreement with the general tenor of the points being made here. I would just like to stress the very important point that poor eyesight is not only something that affects or indeed afflicts those of 'a certain age'. As someone who was born 80% blind and for whom reading anything without a powerful magnifying glass has been an impossibility since my first day at school (actually even before then), I am just one of the not insignificant number of visually impaired or completely blind classical music lovers who clearly are not given a moment's thought when it comes to designing many CD booklets. Previous Message
Sleeve notes ~ are they still called that? Any rate, notes accompanying CDs.
I suspect that I am not alone in being of a certain age and with eyesight fading. CD notes are often almost unreadable with pale print on a coloured background (stand up Warner)or in print so small that a magnifying glass is needed . As an example Chandos notes, invariably excellent, are in very small , grey print on a white background. I usually have to photo so I can read them.
Content is variable, Naxos and Chandos stand out from the crowd but some are more interested in the artist than the music , there should be room for both.
Example: DG notes for the Ives symphonies with Dudamel are ridiculously useless, heaven knows what guidance they give to any newcomer to the music,
A mention for Bru Zane, an example to everybody, superb, comprehensive, informative notes in readable print (even if a little small). Their excellent presentation makes the case for CDs over downloads.
I know I can search the internet for information but good notes ought be part of the CD package.
Apologies for the rant but with some CDs I feel I am being short~changed.
Message Thread Sleeve notes - Mike Hardy July 20, 2024, 10:44 am
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