Melomania

For those, like the Editor, who have not yet abandoned the CD, the Paris-based melomania is simply an amazing shop with a vast (200,000+ title) catalog. Fortunately, for those unable to visit it in Paris, their website is easy to use and melomania ships worldwide. 

In Praise of CDs – The Editor 

True, the latter constitute a vanishing breed. Some listeners/collectors never made the switch from vinyl, while others have since abandoned the CD for the ease of digital downloads and streaming. However, most labels, large and small, continue to release their latest offerings on CD, though no doubt in smaller print runs. 

Aside from ease of storage and some tactile relationship to artform of the album – i.e., artwork, liner notes, discographic information – CDs provide the only physical documentation of newer artists and newly unearthed performances. 

Very, very few classical artists are marketed in every medium (CD, LP and download). Moreover, very few labels are simultaneously making their catalogs available on vinyl. Thus, unless the LP-only listener/collector goes the route of digital downloads, he/she is unable to enjoy the latest releases from Hyperion or DG, much less historical labels. 

It would be extraordinarily difficult and expensive to re-assemble the recent “Dimitri Mitropoulos: The Complete RCA and Columbia Album Collection” on original-issue vinyl. Many such LPs are now more than 60 years in age. Depending on the title, what copies can be found on the second-hand market are often in poor condition. 

It’s also true that the re-mastering in these hefty CD boxes can sometimes leave something to be desired and that the original LPs, despite imperfect surfaces, still offer superior sound. But with the major labels finally making a concerted effort to properly re-issue their back catalog, even to the extent of providing the original artwork and complete discographic details, the CD still has its advantages and allure 

Melomania

Founded in 1995 and located at 38 Boulevard de Saint-Germain in Paris – on the left bank of the Seine, nearly equidistant from the Sorbonne Université (Campus Pierre et Marie Curie) and the Cathédrale Notre Dame – Melomania today possibly seems a doubtful musical anachronism. And yet the business continues to thrive and remains a go-to destination for classical CD collectors. 

In any case, with over 200,000 CDs in stock, Melomania is among the last preserves – and last recourse – for finding rare recordings on CD. Listings are detailed, usually including a complete contents listing, and occasionally an image of the album’s reverse side. True rarities can be expensively priced, but if one is patient, over time the price will be reduced. 

In fact, one of the distinct strengths of the Melomania website is its powerful search engine. One can browse/search by musical era (e.g., Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Eighteenth Century, Romantic Era, Modern Era, Contemporary). Or by instrument (e.g., Cello, Flute, Guitar, Oboe, Piano, Violin, etc.). 

On the advanced search page, the website’s will auto-complete any of tens of thousands of performer’s or composer’s name. One can input key search criteria in multiple fields in order to best zero-in on the desired title. 

Unlike almost all other second-hand shops, Melomania boasts real quality control. In addition, it always provides a new jewel case and retail-like new cellophane packaging. In other words, you receive what almost appears to be a new, unopened copy. Orders are typically shipped within 72 hours, confirmation emails are sent, and the shop does respond to customer inquiries. 

Out-of-print stock CDs are also displayed the website helpfully allows both “wish list” and “alert” functions. If the item you seek is not currently available, Melomania will send you an email as soon as the CD is back in stock. 

The Editor has been buying from this remarkable shop since 2004 and has never been disappointed. Melomania is recommended without hesitation. 

Melomania-final analysis

• Enormous CD (and DVD) catalog with thousands of out-of-print and rare items.
  
• Powerful search and browse functionality; easy-to-use interface.
  
• Wish List and Alert functions.
  
• Ships worldwide by certified mail. Items are carefully packaged.
  
• Good communication and customer service (in English as well).
  
• High quality control. CDs are given a new jewel case and are professionally shrink-wrapped.