Recording production
Michael Fine produces classical recordings as a musical and editorial partner to soloists, conductors, ensembles, orchestras and labels. From the first discussion of repertoire to the final master, he combines close score study, decades of international recording experience and careful personal editing and mixing to help artists make recordings that sound unmistakably their own.
A musical and editorial partnership
I prepare for every recording with the same seriousness a performer brings to the music. Before the sessions begin, I study the score closely and develop a clear understanding of its musical, technical and interpretative demands. That preparation allows us to use the recording time well, but it is only the starting point.
My role is not to impose my own interpretation. It is to understand what the artist wants to say, listen closely as that idea develops and know when a suggestion can help bring it more fully into sound. The best sessions depend on trust, concentration and an atmosphere in which artists feel able to take musical risks.
I want the artists always to recognise themselves in the recording. I don't want them to recognise me.
That principle continues after the final session. I personally edit and mix every project, carrying the musical priorities established in the studio through the detailed process of selecting and shaping the finished performance.
How Michael Fine Can Help
Repertoire and project planning
Advise on repertoire, artistic concept, recording format and the project plan best suited to the artist and music.
Preparation before the sessions
Prepare sessions in close consultation with artists, conductors, ensembles and engineers, establishing a clear shared musical purpose.
Session production
Produce the sessions with attention to interpretation, musical structure, continuity, balance, pacing and the individual voice of each artist.
Editing and mixing
Edit and mix the recording, carrying the musical priorities established in the sessions through post-production.
Mastering oversight
Work with a trusted engineering team through approval of the final master, preserving the character agreed with the artist.
Recording and label strategy
Advise on how repertoire, artists, format and presentation fit together, and how a project may be positioned for labels and audiences.
Experience that serves the recording
Michael's approach has been shaped by work on every side of the classical recording industry. He founded Koch International Classics and served as its General Manager and Vice President, then became Vice President of Artists and Repertoire at Deutsche Grammophon in Hamburg. These roles gave him a detailed understanding of how repertoire, artists, production, labels and audiences must come together in a finished release that is both musically convincing and clearly positioned.
He has produced projects for many of the world's leading artists, orchestras and labels. The work has ranged from solo and chamber recordings to opera, large orchestral projects and contemporary repertoire. His hands-on approach was recognised with the Grammy Award for Classical Producer of the Year at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards.
His wider professional life has included artistic leadership and planning with the Rotterdam Philharmonic and Gergiev Festival Rotterdam, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Seoul Philharmonic, as well as orchestral touring and continuing work as a clarinettist and conductor.
Planning a recording?
Whether you have a fully developed project or are still deciding on repertoire and approach, I would be pleased to discuss what the recording needs and where my experience can help.
Landmark Recordings
A selection of recordings produced by Michael Fine, spanning orchestral, operatic, chamber, solo and contemporary repertoire for leading international labels.
Gaïa
Lalo • Sarasate • Bruch
Ginastera: The Vocal Album
Héroïque: French Opera Arias
Unsuk Chin: 3 Concertos
Franck • Grieg • Dvořák
Brahms & Berg: Violin Concertos
Ravel Orchestral Works
Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas
In Paradisum (Fauré • Duruflé: Requiem)
A Chance Operation: The John Cage Tribute
Leonard Bernstein: Arias & Barcarolles / Songs & Duets
Bring the project into focus
If you are considering a new recording, I can help shape the musical plan, produce the sessions and carry the performance through editing and mixing to the final master.
For artistic planning, repertoire, casting and institutional advice beyond an individual recording, explore Michael's Artistic Consultancy work.