As much as I appreciate CDs and CD packaging at their best, I find that digital downloads make my work as a reviewer easier. I maintain a large digital library on several hard drives, and when I need to evaluate comparative performances, I can quickly access the files, load them into iTunes, and shuttle back and forth between five different Schumann Carnavals at the drop of a hat. 

Every new disc that comes my way for review I automatically digitize, although I’m not consistent in regard to size or bit rate. However, I do convert special favorites into lossless FLAC files. For those who don’t know, FLAC is a format where music is compressed in such a way that no data or quality is lost or remotely compromised, yet the files take up half the size of uncompressed CD quality aiff or wav files. Collectors and traders of live shows by popular music bands usually prefer to get material via lossless files. I’ve been creating back-up FLAC files for many out-of-print discs in my own collection, just in case anything happens to the original CDs. And, yes, I back up religiously, in triplicate.

It’s only been recently that classical music websites and companies have been offering FLAC downloads in addition to lossy MP3 formats, which is heartening news. I’m especially pleased that the Chicago-based Cedille label has embraced FLAC, and that their most recent releases are now available in this format. In fact, I played the commercial CD copy of Cedille’s new Messiaen/Debussy disc featuring pianists Ursula Oppens and Jerome Lowenthal back-to-back with the FLAC files I downloaded from their website. No difference. I then “uncompressed” the FLAC files, and played them back-to-back alongside the commercial CD. Again, no difference.

Lossy 256 kbps MP3 transfers also sound damn good by comparison, although there’s ever-so-slightly less definition in the registral extremes, and that's if you really listen for them. Still, having such choices available can only empower download consumers, and more power to the consumer!

I’ll be back soon with a tribute to the legendary composer/pianist Bill Evans, in anticipation of the 30th anniversary of his death on September 15th, 1980.