Channel Classics’ new download site and Priory Radio’s fine debut

Channel surfing

Amsterdam’s Channel Classics has launched its own high-resolution download facility on its website and very nicely constructed it is too, even down to a Java-powered download manager. Downloads are offered at a variety of bit-rates from MP3 (320kbps) via 44.1/24-bit FLAC, 96/24 FLAC to 192/24 FLAC – you can download a sample file with a Haydn duo for violin and viola offered in the three FLAC formats. Having listened to all three, I’d be quite happy with the 96/24 version (Studio Master), and it takes up less space than the Golden Ears’ 192/24 (Studio Master HD): though the 44.1/24 (CD quality) file takes about one third of the space of the highest-definition version. But check them out for yourself and go for the one that best suits your playback kit. The pricing reflects the quality of the format: the physical SACD will set you back £15.17 – exactly the same price as the Studio Master. Studio Master HD costs £17.84, 
CD quality £12.49 and the MP3 £8.03.

Given the extremely high production values of Channel Classics’ recordings – the label’s founder Jared Sacks engineers many of them himself and he has a great pair of ears – this is a catalogue that really benefits from higher bit-rate sound. And the performances are pretty fine, too: I’ve long been a great fan of Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra and their growing discography offers many rewards (their recent Beethoven Pastoral is a wonderful performance). If you’re into high-quality downloads, pay it a visit at channelclassics.com

Sounds from the Priory

If you crave uninterrupted music but don’t want to have to worry about programming it yourself from your CD collection, there are numerous online 
classical music streaming services. The latest addition to the concept is Priory Radio, drawing on Priory’s unrivalled recorded catalogue of choral and organ music from this superb British label. It’ll take you on a rich and hugely rewarding tour of the cathedrals and churches of Europe, sampling the organs and choirs whose character is drawn from the buildings in which they perform. Streamed at 128kbps, this is a great idea, with many discoveries to make…and it doesn’t cost you a penny, though you might feel the need to buy a few CDs as a result!
prioryrecords.co.uk/radio.php


James Jolly