How “Live” Classical Recordings Used to Be Labeled

I recently got the Sviatoslav Richter Complete Album Collection. (Amazon.com, Amazon UK) On 18 discs, this includes his recordings for Columbia Records, notably five recitals from Carnegie Hall in 1960.

I find it quaint the way they labeled “live” performances back then:

Recorded in Actual Performance.

Richter live

I guess this was to distinguish from a non-realistic performance in a studio.

2 thoughts on “How “Live” Classical Recordings Used to Be Labeled”

  1. So, when you play it are you aware of the audience? Maybe the description “in actual performance” is a flag that coughs and such may be heard? At least no mobile phones trilling in 1960!

  2. So, when you play it are you aware of the audience? Maybe the description “in actual performance” is a flag that coughs and such may be heard? At least no mobile phones trilling in 1960!

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