When we were in Montpellier the other day doing some research on a forthcoming composition collaboration with a, yet to be named, rather famous flamenco guitarist, I chanced upon a CD store I had not previously visited. La Boîte à Musique is a wonderful establishment – everything that a classical music CD shop should be, but sadly almost no longer exists.
For 36 years, so I have learned, Jean pierre et Maryvonne Cauquil having been running this establishment which, in addition to selling CDs and DVDs, is also an audiophile paradise for the purchase of high-end amplifiers, speakers, turntables and such things.
The real wonder of this establishment is the CD holdings held in-store. As opposed to the over-priced, catalogue discards and pot-boiler titles ubiquitous to the majority of physical outlets still masquerading having a classical music and jazz selection (including FNAC and Joseph Gibert in France), La Boîte à Musique has titles I thought were long deleted from catalogues; recorded performances that are legendary, and recent releases in equal measure. Shopping in this musical Mecca is a sheer delight. It will come as no surprise to learn that the credit card is groaning a bit right now!
It reminds me to be very appreciative of Thomas’ Music in my hometown of Melbourne. If you go there ask for Chris Dench.
Welcome to 2012!
From France,
Kevin
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