Problem CDs

[Jonathan]

It wasn't just Hyperion that had the problem - I had several CDs on other labels. The problem was with a firm called PDO which pressed the discs. It has to do with Sulphur in the paper reacting with the coating on the disc. I also sent a stack of about 20 CDs off and they were dutifully replaced by PDO at no cost to me whatsoever!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

From the above, I appear to have been very lucky, with only that 2CD set mentioned earlier causing any problems.

[Dave2002]

I just found the Knoxville track on Spotify, and it doesn't sound great there either - with a very similar background noise to my CD - http://open.spotify.com/track/6JAix3tA0fC42VgAbo86zT

It's track 15.

[Sir Velo]

From the above, I appear to have been very lucky, with only that 2CD set mentioned earlier causing any problems.

Me too. The only time I have an issue is when the disc slips out of the case, thanks to the inadequate packaging and picks up dust from the carpet. A quick wipe with a lint free cloth and they're good to go.

[robk]

I am sure my problems are with the CD player rather than the CD's which were all new. They play well on my DVD player and they rip to the PC error free. I did raise this with Arcam but didn't get anywhere. I read on the Hyperion site some while ago that they have more problems reported with more sophisticated equipment.

[Pulcinella]

Dave

I have a copy of the single CD that is the one on Spotify.
I hadn't noticed the sound quality previously, but have just played it (a little louder than I normally would) and think I can identify what you mean: a sort of gurgling.

Looks like it may have been on the original (or introduced on its transfer to CD).

I also have the Eleanor Steber, Dawn Upshaw, and Karina Gauvin versions: favourite is Upshaw. I haven't heard the Barbara Hendricks, Sylvia McNair, or Molly McGurk versions (amongst others); the latter (now on Regis) gets more than honourable mention in the 2009 Penguin Guide.

[HighlandDougie]

Dave

I have a copy of the single CD that is the one on Spotify.
I hadn't noticed the sound quality previously, but have just played it (a little louder than I normally would) and think I can identify what you mean: a sort of gurgling.

Looks like it may have been on the original (or introduced on its transfer to CD).

Yup - the same transfer problem is on the 1994 RCA issue (09026 61983 2) which features Price singing Barber (and which I presume is the one referred to by Pulcinella). I had a dim memory that there was a problem with Knoxville and, having just retrieved the CD and played it, confirmed that my memory wasn't playing tricks. I also think that the problem might have been referred to on BaL when it featured Knoxville. Apart from that transfer problem (and the slightly scrappy orchestral playing by the New Philharmonia), I find that Price's voice doesn't scale down very comfortably. The emotional depth and impact of this piece don't seem to me to be enhanced by this performance. While I don't think that it should necessarily make for easy listening, for all her occasional moments of archness, Upshaw seems to me to bring out its character rather better.

[pastoralguy]

Mrs. PG is doing jury duty at the moment which has resulted in her whistling the theme to 'Crown Court' at sporadic intervals! Inspired by this, I pulled out my recordings of Janáček's 'Sinfonietta' only to find that the classic Mackerras version on DECCA has 'bronzed' and is thus unplayable.

Hyperion's website are, as one would expect, very helpful and give an address for non-Hyperion discs so I'm going to post my defective copy away and will await the result with baited breath!

Actually, I've just looked this cd up on Amazon and have discovered I can buy it for 54p! By the time I use an envelope and pay for postage I'd be cheaper to replace it from them.

[Bryn]

Mrs. PG is doing jury duty at the moment which has resulted in her whistling the theme to 'Crown Court' at sporadic intervals! Inspired by this, I pulled out my recordings of Janáček's 'Sinfonietta' only to find that the classic Mackerras version on DECCA has 'bronzed' and is thus unplayable.

Hyperion's website are, as one would expect, very helpful and give an address for non-Hyperion discs so I'm going to post my defective copy away and will await the result with baited breath!

Actually, I've just looked this cd up on Amazon and have discovered I can buy it for 54p! By the time I use an envelope and pay for postage I'd be cheaper to replace it from them.

Let us hope the one you order via Amazon is not also bronzed.

[cloughie]

Mrs. PG is doing jury duty at the moment which has resulted in her whistling the theme to 'Crown Court' at sporadic intervals! Inspired by this, I pulled out my recordings of Janáček's 'Sinfonietta' only to find that the classic Mackerras version on DECCA has 'bronzed' and is thus unplayable.

Hyperion's website are, as one would expect, very helpful and give an address for non-Hyperion discs so I'm going to post my defective copy away and will await the result with baited breath!

Actually, I've just looked this cd up on Amazon and have discovered I can buy it for 54p! By the time I use an envelope and pay for postage I'd be cheaper to replace it from them.

Being bronzed does not automatically mean unplayable.
I have a few bronzed CDs on my shelves but have played OK but I've taken the precaution of burning a copy in case of future deterioration. The copies also play OK

[pastoralguy]

Being bronzed does not automatically mean unplayable.
I have a few bronzed CDs on my shelves but have played OK but I've taken the precaution of burning a copy in case of future deterioration. The copies also play OK

I ran it through my cd repair machine but, alas, it made no difference. I've ordered a replacement so little is lost.

[pastoralguy]

Well, my replacement Janacek's 'Sinfonietta' played by the Vienna Philharmonic under the great Sir Charles Mackerras arrived today. The disc is in first class condition and plays beautifully although, if I'm honest, I prefer Sir Simon's with the Philharmonia Orchestra which, IMHO, is grittier and sharper. Great to have both though!

[mikealdren]

Well, my replacement Janacek's 'Sinfonietta' played by the Vienna Philharmonic under the great Sir Charles Mackerras arrived today. The disc is in first class condition and plays beautifully although, if I'm honest, I prefer Sir Simon's with the Philharmonia Orchestra which, IMHO, is grittier and sharper. Great to have both though!

Have you heard the Kubelik? Coupled with a fabulous Taras Bulba, I prefer it to all others even though the recording is a bit older.

Mike

[pastoralguy]

Thanks, Mike. I'm sure I have it somewhere so I'll give it a listen.

[Sir Velo]

Thanks, Mike. I'm sure I have it somewhere so I'll give it a listen.

If you like great performances in great sound in this repertoire (duh! no brainer) then I'd recommend Abbado and the CSO on DG (one of my favourite CDs of all time c/w a complete The Miraculous Mandarin with the LSO)