Sleeves under scrutiny

摘要

In the early days of LPs, writes Trevor Swinson, it soon became evident that attractive pictures were an important selling feature, so that expensive four-colour illustrations became the order of the day. Today, for pop albums it is not unusual for several thousands of pounds to be spent on the artwork alone! To the more serious purchaser of classical records, what is on the other side of the record sleeve is by far the more important - the sleeve notes. And don't they vary in content! From those Philips reissues that gave a history lesson but no musical help, to the really informative. Even so, it is worthwhile setting down some of the essentials. First of all, for a single record of symphonies, suites, etc, the movements should be indicated in display type and not hidden in the text. While most people are used to the usual Italian terms like andante and so on, instructions in German (by Mahler, for example) will not be understood by everyone and might well be translated. Record companies should remember that a considerable number of buyers will be newcomers to the scene who need all the help they can get. Sleeve notes almost always give some historical background to the works in question and the date of composition is essential. It is also very useful to know the composition of the orchestra; the larger the forces used, the more likely it is to be given. But 'classical' (eg, Mozart) record sleeves seem to be shy of disclosing this information.