THE FIRST SIX CDS I BOUGHT OVERSEAS (HONG KONG)

Sadly gone, Hong Kong Records at Pacific Place.

Whether it is now or back in 1990, Hong Kong was always a better place to buy CD recordings than Singapore. Hong Kong had a more developed and active classical music scene during the 1980s and 90s, besides having a far better international arts festival. Similarly, buying recordings was always a pleasure in Hong Kong. 

There were more record stores and CD outlets, mostly independent and the ubiquitous (but now defunct Hong Kong Records) even before the advent of HMV or Tower Records. You could even buy CDs at bookstores and giftshops, which always carried a small but interesting collection.

These were the first CDs I bought in Hong Kong when I visited way back in June 1990. Not only did HK have a wider selection, the prices were also cheaper (given the exchange rate) than Singapore.  

A budget-priced compilation of Jorge Bolet
playing Liszt, which included the
Schubert-Liszt Wanderer Fantasy.
Bought at a little shop called Jackie's Records
on Causeway Bay. Autographed by
Bryce Morrison, programme notes writer.

You could always find this in Singapore.
But it's cheaper in Hong Kong.

Ditto. Just HKD 39.50
Later autographed by
Dong-Suk Kang and Pascal Devoyon.

Both CDs were bought at this 
Chinese bookstore on Nathan Road.

You cannot find this anymore.
Live performances from the 1989 Cliburn.
Later autographed by Cliburn winners
Cristina Ortiz, Vladimir Viardo &
Andre Michel Schub. Their photos had been
included in the full list of past winners. 
HKD 230 at United Records, The Landmark.

Latest releases from DG. Just HKD 92.

A keeper. Schoenberg had never
sounded this beautiful.
Later autographed by members of
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

That was when I first discovered Percival Records
on 35 Wing Kut Street, Central.
It was a small musty shop during 1990 but has
since gentrified. It still exists today!

CD shops no longer exist in Singapore, and that is a sad fact of our economy. However, CD shops are still thriving in Hong Kong, which is why we should continue to patronise them as opposed to buying online. But for how much longer?