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This article is from the Classical music FAQ, by Gabe M. Wiener gabe@panix.com with numerous contributions by others.

4. I heard this great piece on the radio, but when I went to the record store to buy a copy, I found dozens of versions. Which is the right one to get? (Classical music)

This question is one that often confronts even the most seasoned
record collectors. The decision of which version of a piece to buy on
record is entirely a matter of taste. Experienced listeners often
know the style of each conductor and can judge on that basis. If you
are unfamiliar with a piece or with the versions available to you, you
might want to start off by looking in the Penguin Guide (see
"Reference Books" below). Though not always 100% on the mark, this
guide will describe the differences between multiple recordings of a
given work, and may enable you to choose the recording that is right
for you. There are also magazines such as Fanfare, Gramophone, Stereo
Review, Audio, and some of the high-end audio journals that review new
recordings on a regular basis.

There is also a classical recordings database located at
ftp://ftp.uwp.edu/pub/music/

 

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