For some classical CD collectors, the word ‘download’ may provoke a blank stare or even a feeling of queasiness which new technology often generates. Both these responses are understandable, but two things are certain about downloads: (i) they are here to stay, and (ii) there is nothing to fear from them.
First of all, what is a ‘download’? It is simply a way of ‘downloading’ music directly from the Internet on to your computer, where it can then either be transferred to a blank CD, played on an iPod (or various other MP3 players), or simply played on your computer. And you don’t have to download the entire contents of a CD, only the music you want. But more of this below.
Will downloads take over from CDs? While there has been an explosion of growth in this new way of acquiring music (especially in the pop-music world), it seems not to have resulted in a comparable reduction of CD sales. Collectors regard the CD (as they did the LP) as more than just a medium to play music. The artwork, sleevenotes, presentation, etc., are all part of the CD ‘experience’.
Whether or not the teenagers of today, who download music as a matter of course, will regard these matters as being of the same importance remains to be seen, but the basic urge to buy something which you can physically hold, touch and feel is unlikely to go away. On a practical level, opera libretti, texts and translations etc. are a key area where CDs score over downloads: the idea of following texts on a computer is impractical and undesirable. And, just like book-lovers, record collectors like to have their recorded music on shelves around them.
The sound quality is another area in which hi-fi enthusiasts are suspicious of downloads. While it is true that the sound quality of most downloads is not quite that of the equivalent CD, the difference is relatively small and, when played through computers, MP3 players, iPods, headphones or car stereos, this is perhaps not of the greatest importance.
On top-quality hi-fi equipment, sound is very important, and this is being addressed by the record industry. High-quality downloads are becoming available with full CD sound-quality. For the technically minded, CDs are coded to play back at 16bit/96 kHz and this will be the standard of these new downloads.
Even more impressive will be the availability of an ‘ultra’-hi-fi audio-quality download – in theory better than CD sound – which may well be available from some companies during the lifetime of this book. These downloads will be using impressive 24-bit technology, which is the level at which many new recordings are made. This will be the format to convert and excite hi-fi enthusiasts to this new medium.
One of the great advantages downloads offer is the sheer quantity of music which is being made available. Never again will the dreaded word ‘deleted’ strike the horror it once did. Not only that, but the ability to pick and choose which track you want to buy is a clear advantage over a CD; the occasions when one wants to buy only the rare fill-up or coupling on a CD provokes frequent annoyance to collectors.
The relative cheapness of downloads may encourage one to explore new repertoire, as well as duplicating favourite repertoire without adding to your storage problems. Most sites offer a free one-minute sample of each track – a real encouragement to experiment and expand one’s repertoire knowledge. Also, downloads offer the chance to experiment with new music without having to face the sometimes intimidating atmosphere of a classical record department.
Computers often (and justifiably so) rate as one of the top causes of frustration in modern life. But they are growing more reliable and easier to use. As long as you have a broadband connection, downloading is a relatively easy procedure since the on-screen instructions are pretty obvious. The download may be a bit time-consuming but this is becoming a faster procedure as time goes by, with broadband connections getting better all the time. Indeed, within a comparatively short space of time it will take a matter of seconds to download a complete opera – through we are not there yet.
Many of the recordings discussed in this book will be available to download (a quick check on the relevant company’s website will tell you if this is so). A dedicated download site, such as iTunes, is an obvious place to start, but many record companies offer their own download facility. TheClassicalShop.net offers many high-quality downloads and a host of independent labels to choose from and is well worth exploring.
The performances heard via downloads remain the same, whatever format they are presented on (taking note of the above remarks on sound quality).