Mastering Classical Music for the Ipod Generation

[ThomasVerunchek]

I'm a long-time lover of classical music. It's distressed me for some time to see so few younger folks take an active interest in any sort of classical music. Obviously, there are some cultural boundaries between, say, Kelly Clarkson and Beethoven, but I also believe there are inherent sonic qualities that contribute greatly to this divide.

Apart from how the music itself sounds, let's also consider the means by which people are listening. How many 13-18 year-olds are listening to their music on a set of KLH's? Or even a decent home stereo? The vast majority are listening on stock Ipod earbuds or laptop speakers. Or worse yet, their Iphone speakers! It's a sad fact, but today's younger generation have much different listening habits than those of us born before 1980. *Note, this is not meant to come off as ageist, it's merely an observation of what I perceive to be prevalent.

So I'm making it my mission to remaster selected classical pieces in a manner that, of course, will not alter their musical content, but will in a way "update" their sonic qualities. My hope is that by recontextualizing pieces in a way that is sonically cohesive with contemporary pop, a younger audience will be attracted to, and ultimately be able to appreciate and learn from classical music.

I have many contacts with classical labels, as well as composers and orchestras. I've already sent out many, many samples as well as a more detailed mission statement. So far the response has been very positive, and I will keep you guys up to date on my progress!

I know this is thin ice to be treading, especially with a form of music held in such high regard, but believe me when I say that I'm an absolute devotee and would do nothing to pervert the magnificent aural textures that have enriched my soul throughout life. So before you comment, please have a listen to the sample I've attached to this thread.

Cheers,
Thomas

Edit: Hmm, my attachment failed! Here is a Megaupload link (I swear on Haydn it is safe!): MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

[dcollins]

Originally Posted by ThomasVerunchek

Edit: Hmm, my attachment failed! Here is a Megaupload link (I swear on Haydn it is safe!): MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

I think you have a very bright future ahead of you.


DC

[Jesse Graffam]

Originally Posted by dcollins

I think you have a very bright future ahead of you.


DC

I don't even know what to say, lol.

[dcollins]

Originally Posted by uncajesse

I don't even know what to say, lol.

Perhaps he needs your secret clipper.


DC

[24-96 Mastering]

Originally Posted by uncajesse

I don't even know what to say, lol.

I'll say this: What a remarkable amount of trouble to go through to share a bit of very dry humour.

[kjg]

ha ha

[ed littman]

These guys above don't really know whats up.
I think it could use a bit more loudness & I like tape hiss too.
I think your going in the right direction
Kinda like this vibe
YouTube - SUNN O))) concert brooklyn 2005


Ed

[Don S]

Good mission to be on! The first thought that comes to mind is the equipment itself. In the past classical music was an audiophile genre. I'm not so sure that other than some very gentle compression with a couple db of gain, you would make the classic "earbud" design yield anything more desirable to the listener. When I listen to classical on my ipod, I'm always adjusting the volume. Maybe because I don't have expensive earbuds and have accepted the limitations. The only other suggestion is to try for an FM radio sound. I used to work for WQXR in NYC, and they had Aphex expanders that would (beautifully) enhance the volume where needed for more noisy listening environments such as driving a car.

[ThomasVerunchek]

Thanks for the comments, everyone! You are very kind, dcollins.

Ed littman: I will have a look at that video. Thanks for the recommendation!

[dcollins]

Originally Posted by ThomasVerunchek

Thanks for the comments, everyone! You are very kind, dcollins.

My pleasure. Always willing to go the extra mile for superior audio quality.

You didn't mention what K-System calibration you are using? All the top engineers use it to get the loudest possible masters, and it may help you to squeeze another couple dB out of it.


DC

[Axon]

Enough people listen with IEMs now that I honestly wonder if there isn't a BIGGER market for classical music now than in 1980 - at least in terms of acceptable quality levels. Moreover, headphones tend to handle large dynamic shifts much better than speakers. So, what's your point again?

[3rd&4thT]

One point is that WQXR-FM also made sure that the signal never dropped below -18 so as not to get lost in road noise. The trick is not to get caught at it.

Cheers,
3rd&4thT

[Coyoteous]

I thought the OP was serious! I've had the file on my desktop for days and finally listened to it... wow!

[Nordenstam]

This track needs a kick drum.

[IIIrd]

excellent.

[lain2097]

No please stop. I can't stand overt compression on any classical tracks ever. As a regular listener, I totally appreciate all the hard work done. EQ and light stuff is okay.

Compression/limiting to modern levels would kill the sonic impact of the orchestra/opera But then again I'm in the minority here. And yes I'm not some old dude (born in the 80s). Most new CDs sound like garbage (in general) due to abusive mastering. Also I am in the shrinking minority for actually BUYING CDS.

In my younger days of course I would be like; WTF? turn it up maaan! But I now appreciate this conservatism.

Neato idea though.