Honourable mentions? Too many to count, but Blade Runner and Angel Heart are excellent examples of ‘post-electronic’ film music, while the golden age serves up countless choices…
And finally…
A pair of large-scale orchestral recordings that you can rely on:
Dvorak – Symphony No.5, From The New World
Kertesz/VPO – Decca SXL 2289 (available on CD, SACD, original LP and 180g LP from Speakers Corner)
Shostakovich – Symphonies 1 and 5
Kurt Masur/LPO – London Philharmonic Orchestra 0001 (SACD)
When it comes to system set-up, music is a tool, just like a tape measure or a digital level. The more familiar or practised you are with any tool, the easier it is to work with and the better the result. The first three discs listed here are invaluable when it comes to system optimisation, covering both the technical and the musical aspects of performance. They are far from the only examples, but they are examples that work and produce consistent, reliable results. But there’s no escaping the fact that ultimate performance can only be measured in musical terms, which is what the second batch of discs is all about. That’s where personal taste really comes in. Not because you are setting the system to suit your music per se, but because it’s easier to relate to the music you love. What I wanted to do was not just list the discs that I use, but also discuss why: What aspects of their performance or nature I’m using to assess the system and any changes I’m making to it.
Like I said, the supporting cast is a revolving feast, but I’ve yet to find alternatives to match the ‘big three’ discs I rely on. The LEDR tests are essentially unique, while the Blanton is definitely one of a kind. You could do a lot worse than starting with those two…
