Through the Transom - Windows, Vol. For many librarians collecting is a significant part of their job, but for some it can be an obsessive activity away from work as well. I am a collector of classical music CDs - specializing in 19th and 20th century opera, historic versions of the symphonies of Anton Bruckner and all recordings made by Wilhelm Furtwangler. I am too embarrassed to tell you how many CDs I have amassed but suffice to say that I am having to consider moving to a larger apartment.
Gender is perhaps part of the answer.
Several studies have disclosed that 98 per cent of serious collectors of classical music recordings are men. As are reviewers of classical recordings. As are readers of the reviews. Women do buy classical recordings but are unlikely ever to want 17 versions of Bruckner's Ninth Symphony. In recent years classical sales to both genders have accounted for less that 2 per cent of record store sales nationwide and just this summer Boston's record store quietly reduced space, staff and inventory in their classical department.