LP DESCRIPTIONS The Divinity-Full Descriptions and Awards
The Demi-Gods-Full Descriptions and Awards
The Basic List-Full Description and Award-Ancient Music & Small Scale Classical
The Basic List-Full Descriptions-Large Scale Orchestra & Opera
The Basic List-Full Descriptions-Pop/Jazz/Folk/Ethnic Music & Soundtracks
The Basic List-Full Descriptions and Award-Essays & Controversies
The Honorable Mentions-Some Descriptions
Back to Audio Critique
The "detailed descriptions" of these LPs may be read by visiting the respective file for each classification (see the Internal Links Section below). These "descriptions" also include many essays and anecdotes, plus comparisons of the different recordings and pressings of the famous "blockbuster" orchestral works.
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This is the list of the finest sounding LP recordings I have ever heard.
It is based on more than 30 years of listening to an endless variety of records and pressings on countless systems. Like the "sister" List of Reference Components, this list will also evolve as I discover other records and pressings and listen to them with my increasingly revealing system.
THE CONTENDERS
The list of "contenders" is/was extremely large and inclusive. It includes not only my own present collection, but all the new (audiophile) records I sold as a dealer in the 1980s and 1990s, the huge amount of (mainly used) records I purchased in the last 25 years and the enormous amount of records that have become available for me to audition in the last 20 years, when I began selling used records.
As an entirety, this includes virtually every well-known audiophile record ever made, including those from all "the famous lists", plus numerous alternative pressings.
THE REVIEWER'S MUSICAL TASTE
This list will, of course, reflect my taste in music, but not completely. Sadly, I have discovered that, like most music lovers, most of my favorite music and performances were not recorded to the highest standards. Accordingly, you will see some music (such as 20th Century Classical) listed here in numbers that are far out of proportion to my actual listening tastes.
While I rarely listen to music that I don't enjoy, I have done so in the past and will do so in the future if I feel the reputation, or even the hype, of the recording demands it.
I mainly listen to music with acoustical instruments; classical, jazz, folk, ethnic etc., but I also enjoy some electronic, synthesizer styles; rock, soundtracks etc. I particularly enjoy "ancient music", meaning music from the Middle/Dark Ages (pre 1400 A.D.) up to the beginnings of the Baroque Period, around 1600. This includes the "Renaissance" Period.
THE UNIQUE QUALIFICATION FOR INCLUSION
The only qualification for this list is the sonic superiority of the LP, and NOT the quality of the music and/or the performance.
In addition, the records are almost all from "well-known" labels. I have decided that putting together a list of LPs consisting mainly of rare, unknown artists and labels almost impossible to find, would be a useless exercise. Still, I did add a few "rarities" to the mix, when I felt that their extraordinary sonic qualities just couldn't be ignored.
MY SPECIFIC SONIC PRIORITIES
My sonic objective is very simple: I want to believe that I am somehow hearing something that is "real". This means either being transported to the actual performance space, or the performers entering my listening room.
To achieve this "magical" realization, the record must sound "complete", natural and "alive" ("immediate"). I must strongly emphasize to readers that this is strictly a "sustained gut feeling", using only the listener's basic instincts and senses. This is true for all experiences with "live sound".
No "thinking" or "talent" is ever required.
Other sonic qualities (like the proper size of the soundstage; the correct size, position and spacing of the instruments; counting members of the chorus etc.) which have to be "analyzed", using only the listener's "thought processes", are not as important to me.
Nor should they ever be important to any music lover. Why not?
Listening to Music is not an "intellectual exercise".
Further- For those readers interested in a more "in-depth" explanation and description of my sonic priorities, go to the "Priorities and Distinctions" section within The Reference Components.
IMPORTANT DISTINCTION ABOUT "TONAL BALANCE"
Despite what has been written and proclaimed for years by others, to the point of nausea, the correct tonal balance of a recording is not as important as the correct tonal balance of an audio component or "system". Why not?
There is no "absolutely correct tonal balance", it changes depending on where, and even when, the instrument, including a voice, is recorded. So when (not if) it is altered, slightly, in a recording, it is still well within the realm of normal, or "natural", and shouldn't draw attention to itself.
However, a noticeable tonal alteration within a component or a system has very different implications. This circumstance will mean that every single piece of music played through that system will contain that same alteration, or "coloration". The resulting sound will eventually become predictable and monotonous, which are the deadly "enemies" of the appreciation and enjoyment of music. In effect, there is a major difference how a critical listener relates to something that lasts only 20 to 50 minutes, and something that is "permanent".
Analogy- The taste of curry, weak or strong, is natural in an Indian restaurant, and something to look forward to, but what if (even a little) curry was in everything, all the time? A person may eventually curse the day they first tasted it.
That is why a typical recording, which must sound at least somewhat "different" from the others, is interesting, while a system with that exact same "difference", which would be audible on every single recording, will be the formula for an inevitable and profound discontent.
THE REVIEWER'S AUDIO SYSTEM
The audio system that I use to audition and evaluate these records is described in detail in the essay: My Audio System.
It is an all-out, purist, minimalist system that was designed, built, dedicated and optimized exclusively for reproducing analog records. The importance of the system chosen to evaluate records can not be overstated. In certain instances, the inherent quality of two LPs can actually be reversed within a system that is not performing at the highest level. An example of this (somewhat rare) phenomenon can be found in the excerpt below, which is from a comparison of two tube amplifiers; the Stromberg-Carlson AP55 versus the Coincident MP 300B, that I/we made in June 2004.
"An Uniquely Important LP Comparison
The two LPs were: 1. John Klemmer-Touch-Mobile Fidelity, and 2. Dom Um Romao-Saudades-Water Lily.
It must be first noted that neither of these LPs is "demanding", in the sense that a Mahler symphony would be, since they're both "light Jazz", so the difference in power of the two amps was irrelevant. Also, I didn't intend to compare the recording quality of these two records, it just ended up happening because of the totally unexpected initial results. It all started innocently...
Both records sounded predictably excellent on the Stromberg-Carlsons, but I was immediately faced with a serious dilemma because, in a number of ways, the Klemmer/MFSL sounded better than the Romao/WL. This should not have been possible. Why? This was my dilemma:
How could the Klemmer LP, which I had placed in "The Honorable Mentions" (the lowest category of my record list, The Supreme Recordings) sound better than the Romao LP, which I had placed in "The Divinity" (the highest category)? My personal thoughts at the time were; "What the hell is going on here? How could I have been so wrong in assessing both LPs?" Then we played both of the LPs again, back to back, using the Coincident amplifiers.
Both of the records sounded better, but this time the Saudades LP "wiped the floor" with the Klemmer. The respective sonics were now the same as when I originally played the two LPs on my own system (where almost all of the posted LP evaluations were made); the Klemmer was still excellent, but the Saudades was simply incredible; a great record. Just as I remembered. What could have happened that would mask the previously obvious qualitative differences between them? (And to such an extent that their qualitative rankings were reversed?)
My Interpretation of this Incident
I've long felt, and have now finally confirmed to my own satisfaction, that to hear, and appreciate, the finest recordings requires an audio system that does "the least harm" to the sonics. To achieve this goal requires an audio system with a simple, well executed and matched signal path. Anything less will pervert the audio signal to such a degree that the subtle musical qualities, which distinguish "excellent" from "great" recordings, will essentially disappear. This will then leave only those relatively gross musical qualities which, depending on the peculiarities of the system, could be fortuitously enchanced or, just as likely, even further compromised. Thus the inevitable result; fruitless and endless disputes about which recording is superior, based entirely on how well the recording matches the unique strengths and weaknesses of that particular audiophile's system."
Finally- Other high-quality, analog-optimized systems were (and still are) also used when verification was/is required.
THE REVIEWER'S OBJECTIVITY
It feel is very relevant to note that I paid for all the records you will read about, and many of them cost me "big bucks". I have never received any "complimentary" LPs, even during all the years I have been in the audio business. The best I have done is to receive wholesale prices and a few "demos" way back in the early 1980s, when my former retail store sold new records.
In short: I don't owe anyone any "favors", and this objective perspective is reflected in my choices and descriptions of the LPs below.
THE REVIEWER'S INTELLECTUAL INDEPENDENCE
This list is not based on any other similar lists, such as the very famous list of The Absolute Sound (TAS). I am also not influenced by the "conventional wisdom" of "reviewers", collectors, "experts" and used record dealers concerning what labels or pressings are the most desirable. (Of course, some duplication of recordings is inevitable.)
I have discovered through very disappointing (and sometimes costly) experiences that the issues of greed, ego, ignorance, laziness, fear and common incompetence have been routine when other such lists and recommendations have been made public, especially concerning the subject of which pressings are most preferable.
To make things crystal clear: I am totally unconcerned by the effects of this list on both the used LP market prices and my future "relationships" or "reputation" with members of the audiophile press, record collectors and/or the (used) record business.
"There are two kinds of fools. One says 'This is Old, and therefore Good.' The other says 'This is New, and therefore Better.'"- Robert A. Heinlein
WHERE ARE ALL THOSE "DESIRABLE" (AND EXPENSIVE) ORIGINAL PRESSINGS?
Many readers are going to be surprised when they realize that this list (unlike the TAS list) is not dominated by all those (now famous) early classical records from the so-called "Golden Age" (Mercury and RCA etc). In fact...
Not even one "famous original pressing" is on this list.
This is not an "oversight" on my part.
I have owned a large number of these records.
I have heard even more of these records;
On many different occasions;
Including many different pressings;
And on many different systems.
They are not here because they don't deserve to be here. They have constituted the largest single disappointment I have had in my audio/musical life.
To make things crystal clear:
Not one Original Mercury "Living Presence", RCA "Shaded Dog", Columbia "Six-eye", Decca "Wide-Band 2000" or London "Blueback" pressing has made this list, so far.
This is not the place to discuss (in depth) their numerous sonic shortcomings.
Now, I freely admit that the finest of them do have some excellent qualities, but their:
1. High levels of distortion,
2. Inevitable sonic "veil",
3. Compression* of the the recorded dynamics,
4. Rolled-off bass and highs,* (which usually causes a)
5. Pschoacoustic brightness,**
6. Relentless "background" surface noises and
7. High "sound-floor",
are all far too noticeable and obtrusive compared to the finest of the modern pressings on this list. And the above even assumes that the record will be in mint (undamaged) condition, which is a rare, "best-case" scenario.
In short, these early pressings almost always sound exactly like what they actually are: "Old Records".
*As stated by the late Jack Pfeiffer, the Producer of many of the original RCA "Shaded Dogs", in his last interview (with Michael Fremer of The Tracking Angle):
Fremer: "So the people that think the originals are the holy grail, those are the magic, they're mistaken?" Pfeiffer: "They are totally mistaken."
Pfeiffer: "They (the "original" RCA Shaded Dogs) had to be tailored to the deficiencies of the cutting and the playback system of the day. We used to listen to lacquers... on our own systems, you know, in the office and also at home, and we'd make judgments about... whether the compression was too great or whatever, because when the mix down was made to make the production master, they tried to limit the bass, they tried to limit the dynamics, and to some extent, they tried to limit the high frequency content at the end because they knew that that was going to be on the inside (center) of the record." (my bold and emphasis)
**As stated in "The Audiophiles Guide to London Bluebacks" written by Robert Moon & Michael Gray (on page 20):
"...there is a harsh brightness to the Decca-London early stereo records because the disc cutters were weak in reproducing frequencies above 10khz. The pressings made after 1968--to my knowledge all FFRR--were made with the Neumann SX-68 helium-cooled disc cutter which could reveal the sweet high frequenices on the original tape. It's for that reason that the later FFRR pressings are often superior to the early FFSS pressings."
The above (and their other) sonic problems are discussed in much greater depth within "The Descriptions", "The Essays" and "The Controversies" of the different classifications.
On A Personal Note
I realize that I will be the subject of continual animosity and even ridicule because of their absence. In fact, I already have. I don't care. The only thing that really matters is: "The Emperor is Naked!"*.
As far as I am concerned, the more audiophiles who eventually realize how grossly overrated those early pressings actually are, the better it will be for everyone in the long run. As far as the people (including writers and reviewers) who actually own and "promote" these pressings, a number of whom I have met over the years, ...
My consistent personal experiences are that the majority of them are highly insecure "snobs". In this instance, people who appear to feel a deep and irresistable need to possess things that they feel are "rare" and "special". (Their bizarre idea of a "trophy".) They are convinced that their possession of these "things" is the definitive proof that they are also "special", and this distinguishes them from "ordinary" people.
*I always enjoyed the fable "The Emperor's New Clothes" as a child. I never realized and appreciated the basic truth, wisdom and profound understanding of human nature underlying it until well into my "adult" years. The "Original Pressings" doctrine is the closest real-life equivalent to that original fable that I have ever experienced.
Three vital Distinctions must be made to what is written above:
1. The early, Classical Recordings (many of the finest ever made) must be kept totally distinct from their respective Pressings, which originated from that identical period.
2. The situation with the early, original pressings of Non-Classical recordings is Different. They will not make this list either, but...
The original pressings of Rock, Pop and Jazz LPs are almost always preferable to the vast majority of their respective reissues.
3. The best of the original RCAs ("Shaded Dogs") are the finest of the early Classical pressings. This means that they were the most natural and "real", and noticeably superior to almost all of the early Deccas, Mercurys etc. They also used better quality vinyl and had lower surface noise.
They are still competitive, and in many instances even preferable, to most "modern recordings" and records. The finest of the modern recordings and pressings (within this list) are still in another league. The Mercurys, by comparison, were not as natural or "real", but much more realistically "dynamic" than the vast majority of records made since then.
Further- Please check out my essay in Audio Critique pertaining to this issue. It is titled: Purchasing used Classical LPs. It focuses on different recording labels and pressings. This essay may help explain some of my choices if they appear unconventional at first.
The first being THE DIVINITY; the finest sounding records ever made, or at least that I have heard.
They are an absolute requirement to hear and to use as references for all other software and hardware evaluation. Hopefully, they will be enjoyable to listen to as well. While these LPs are not "perfect", they still can definitely be described as "great", a very overused word today, but finally appropriate when characterizing these records.
"The Divinity" is limited to the top 25 records.
The second class, right below and almost at the same sonic level of "The Divinity", is THE DEMIGODS; which consists of those records that just missed making the very top. I feel it is imperative to make these fine distinctions. No religious implications or insult are meant by the use of these terms. Just enthusiasm! There are approximately 50 records within this category.
The third class is still larger in size, with more than 200 records. Their overall quality is not quite equal to the those discussed above, but they are still superb. This section is designated as THE BASIC LIST.
Finally, those LPs that I feel almost made this list are designated as THE HONORABLE MENTIONS. They are still being acknowledged because all of them have some outstanding sonic attributes which should be recognized. In short, readers shouldn't overlook these very special LP's. This category, by its nature, will be the most inclusive and the largest in number of the four.
All the records, with the exception of The Honorable Mentions, will receive descriptions of their sonics (and sometimes the music). I may even include some comparisons when relevant. I no longer mention the LP's approximate selling price, since this will change much too frequently for me to be even "ballpark" accurate.
The entire list, not including The Honorable Mentions, will eventually total somewhere around 300 records. Box sets (albums) will only count as one LP, no matter how many records are in it.
"AWARDS"
I strongly feel that it is always useful, and informative, to have "References" and "Standards". It is an ideal (and target) for all the others to aim for, and it also provides the readers with the important knowledge and understanding of where the reviewer actually stands, and what his or her ultimate values really are.
Accordingly, I have revealed my choices for those records that I believe are "the very best of their kind" (Orchestral, chamber, jazz etc.) in sonics. This has been done in the form of an "Award", which is just a very minor recognition and appreciation of achievements that, I feel, are uniquely special.
The awards can be found within the respective files with the detailed descriptions. The links are at the very bottom of this page.
This is the entire list of The Supreme Recordings, but without the descriptions.
The records have been placed in their respective "Classes". These can never be "final", so these classifications may be changed sometime in the future.
The order of the records listed below is irrelevant. It is based strictly on titles, musical genres and record labels.
LA FOLIA-GREGORIO PANIAGUA-ATR 013 (180 GRAM)/HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1050
LEONIN-ECOLE NOTRE~DAME-ENSEMBLE ORGANUM-HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 1148
MUSIQUE DE LA GRECE ANTIQUE-GREGORIO PANIAGUA-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1015
PALESTRINA-MISSA BREVIS-CANDOMINO CHOIR-FG FGLP-1028
VILLANCICOS-ATRIUM MUSICAE DE MADRID-HARMONIA MUNDI FRANCE-HM 1025
AUDIO SYMPHONY (CHECK UP YOUR SOUNDS VOL. 1)-RCA RVLE-1
ORCHESTRATIONS ASTROMANTIC-OTAKA-RCA RDCE-6
ROBERTO GERHARD-THE PLAGUE-DORATI-DECCA HEAD 6
MASSENET-DON QUICHOTTE-GHIAUROV/KORD-LONDON OSA 13134/DECCA D 156 D3
MUSSORGSKY-PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION-MUTI-MOBILE FIDELITY MFSL 1-520
THE ROYAL BALLET-ANSERMET- RCA LDS 6065 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
STRAVINSKY-PETROUCHKA-DANON-CHESKY CR42
STRAVINSKY-THE FIREBIRD-DORATI-MERCURY SR90226 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
VARESE-ARCANA/INTEGRALES/IONISATION-MEHTA-DECCA SXL 6550/LONDON CS 6752/LONDON ENTERPRISE 414 170-1
POP/JAZZ/FOLK/ETHNIC
BELAFONTE AT CARNEGIE HALL-RCA LSO-6006 (CLASSIC REISSUE)**
BELAFONTE RETURNS TO CARNEGIE HALL-RCA LS0-6007 (CLASSIC REISSUE)**
FOR DUKE-BILL BERRY (ET AL)-M & K REALTIME RECORDS-RT-101
JAMES NEWTON HOWARD & FRIENDS-SHEFFIELD LAB 23
KITAMURA-SWING SESSIONS-RCA RDCE-10
SAUDADES-DOM UM ROMAO-WATER LILY WLA-CS-16
THE SINGING BOWLS OF TIBET-ALAIN PRESENCER-SAYDISC SDL 326
*EXPLANATION:
**THESE TWO ALBUMS ARE CONSIDERED AS ONE SELECTION
COPLAND-RODEO/FANFARE-IVES-JOHANOS-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS APC 004*
GOULD-LATIN-AMERICAN SYMPHONETTE-ABRAVANEL-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS APC 003
RAVEL-WORKS FOR ORCHESTRA-SKROWAEZEWSKI-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS APC 007
THOMSON-PLOW THAT BROKE THE PLAINS-STOKOWSKI-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS AP 001
THE WEAVERS-REUNION IN CARNEGIE HALL-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS-APF 005 (180 GRAM)
ASSORTED ANCIENT MUSIC
CANTIGAS DE SANTA MARIA/PIAE CANTIONES-JOCULATORES UPSALIENSES-BIS LP-225*
LA SPAGNA- ATRIVM MVSICAE DE MADRID/GREGORIO PANIAGUA- BIS LP-163/64
ENGLISH AYRES AND DUETS-THE CAMERATA OF LONDON-HYPERION A66003*
TROUBADOUR SONGS AND MEDIEVAL LYRICS-HILLIER-HYPERION A66094*
A MEETING BY THE RIVER-COODER/BHATT-WATER LILY (ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS) APW 29 (45 RPM)
ED GRAHAM-"HOT STIX"-M & K REALTIME RECORDS RT-106 (45 RPM)
EARL "FATHA" HINES-M & K REALTIME RECORDS RT-105
JOHN KLEMMER-STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART-NAUTILUS NR-4
MIDNIGHT SUGAR-YAMAMOTO-THREE BLIND MICE TBM-23*
SARADAMANI-VISHWA MOHAN BHATT/NAMDARI-WATER LILY-WLA-ES-23
BRITTEN-BILLY BUDD-BRITTEN-DECCA SET 379/LONDON OSA 1390
BRITTEN-DEATH IN VENICE-BEDFORD-LONDON OSA 13109/DECCA SET 581
DELIBES-LAKME-SUTHERLAND/BONYNGE-LONDON OSA 1391/DECCA SET 387/9
STRAUSS, R.-DIE AGYPTISCHE HELENA-JONES/DORATI-DECCA D176 D3/LONDON OSA 13135*
LA FETE DE L'ANE-CLEMENCIC CONSORT-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1036
HANDEL-WATER MUSIC-MCGEGAN-HARMONIA MUNDI HMU 7010*
MARTIN CODAX-CANTIAGAS DE AMIGO-CRISWICK-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1060*
TARENTULE~TARENTELLE-GREGORIO PANIAGUA-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 379
THIBAUT DE NAVARRE-PANIAGUA-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1016
GERMAN CHAMBER MUSIC (BACH FAMILY/TELEMANN)-KUIJKEN-ACCENT ACC 8019
HAYDN-DIE SCHOPFUNG-LA PETITE BANDE/KUIJKEN-ACCENT ACC 8228-9
MOZART-(4) FLUTE QUARTETS-KUIJKEN-ACCENT ACC 8225
ARGO/L'OSIEAU-LYRE
BRITTEN-NOYE'S FLUDDE-DEL MAR-ARGO ZK 1
BYRD-MY LADYE NEVELLS BOOKE-HOGWOOD-L'OISEAU-LYRE D29D 4
DUFAY-COMPLETE SECULAR MUSIC-THE MEDIEVAL ENSEMBLE-L'OISEAU-LYRE D 237 D6
FALLA-EL RETABLO DE MAESE PEDRO/PSYCHE-RATTLE-ARGO ZRG 921
HOLST-SAVITRI/CHORAL HYMNS FROM THE RIG VEDA-BAKER/TEAR/HOLST-ARGO ZK 98
MATHIAS-HARP CONCERTO/DANCE OVERTURE-ATHERTON-DECCA SXL 6607/O-L SOL 346
MATHIAS-CLARINET CONCERTO/LAUDI/OTHER WORKS-ATHERTON-ARGO ZRG 882
MESSIAEN-CHRONOCHROMIE/BOULEZ/KOECHLIN-DORATI/BOULEZ-ARGO ZRG 756*
THE PLAY OF DANIEL-PRO CANTIONE ANTIQUA-BROWN-ARGO ZRG 900
SESSIONS-RHAPSODY FOR ORCHESTRA/SYMPHONY NO.8-PRAUSNITZ-ARGO ZRG 702
SHOSTAKOVICH-CONCERTO FOR PIANO, TRUMPET AND STRINGS-MARRINER-ARGO ZRG 674
ASSORTED ANCIENT MUSIC
CANCIONES Y DANZAS DE ESPANA-ENSEMBLE HESPERION XX-REFLEXE 063-30939
CHANTS DE L'EXIL-BOSTON CAMERATA/COHEN-ERATO STU 71429
CONSORT MUSIC OF THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE-EXTEMPORE STINGS-MERIDIAN E 77003
MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS-BOSTON CAMERATA/COHEN-NONESUCH 71315
MYTHOMANIA-BAREN GASSLIN-DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI-069-99-948
ROMANCES-ESTHER LAMANDIER-ALIENOR AL 10*
ASSORTED CLASSICAL
BACH-PEASANT & COFFEE CANTATAS-HARNONCOURT-TELEFUNKEN 641359
BEETHOVEN-SERENADEN OP.8 UND OP.25-AITKEN/MENDELSSOHN-ENSEMBLE-FSM 52 236 EB
BOULEZ-PLI SELON PLI-BOULEZ/BRYN-JULSON/BBC SYMPHONY-ERATO NUM 75050
CHOPIN-PIANO SONATA NO. 3, SCHERZO NO. 2-AUER-RCA RDCE-7*
COPLAND & MENOTTI PIANO CONCERTOS-EARL WILD-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS APC 029
DEBUSSY/RAVEL-PIANO WORKS-MORAVEC-ATHENA ALSY-10002*
HANDEL-BELSHAZZAR-HARNONCOURT-DAS ALTE WERK/TELEFUNKEN-635326
KNUSSEN-SYMPHONY 3/BAINBRIDGE-VIOLA CONCERTO-TRAMPLER-UNICORN RHD 400
LEONARDO LEO-THE COMPLETE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC-TAFELMUSIK-COLLEGIUM 8405/06
MISSA GALLICA (LALLEMENT)-AUVIDIS AV 4724
PAGANINI-LE COUVENT DU MONT ST BERNARD-DYNAMIC DS 4027
PARADISUS MUSICUS-MELCHIOR FRANCK-CARUS FSM 63110
RACHMANINOFF-SYMPHONIC DANCES-JOHANOS-ATHENA 10001
SCHURMANN-SIX STUDIES OF FRANCIS BACON-BBC SYMPHONY ORCH.-CHANDOS ABR 1011
THEODORAKIS/NERUDA-CANTO GENERAL-ATMA-SPHERE 3-001
WEILL-THE TREEPENNY OPERA/MILHAUD-LA CREATION-WEISBERG-NONESUCH H-71281
ASSORTED ETHNIC MUSIC
MUNYUNGO (JACKSON)-VITAL 002
SONGS OF KINGS AND WARRIORS-AL-HAJI PAPA BUNKA SUSSO-WATER LILY WLA-AS-15
LES TRADITIONS RITUELLES DES BONPOS TIBETAINS-OCORA 558622
ASSORTED OPERA (DECCA/LONDON/EMI)
BIZET-CARMEN-TROYANOS/SOLTI-LONDON OSA 13115/DECCA D 11 D 3
GERSHWIN-PORGY AND BESS-MAAZEL-LONDON OSA 13116/DECCA SET 609-11
JANACEK-KATYA KABANOVA-SODERSTROM/MACKERRAS-LONDON OSA 12109/DECCA D51-D2
MASSENET-ESCLARMONDE-SUTHERLAND/BONYNGE-LONDON OSA 13118/DECCA SET 612/14
OFFENBACH-THE TALES OF HOFFMANN-SUTHERLAND-LONDON OSA 13106/DECCA SET 545-7
PUCCINI-TOSCA-PRICE/VON KARAJAN-LONDON OSA 1284/DECCA 5BB 123-4
PUCCINI-TURANDOT-SUTHERLAND/PAVAROTTI/MEHTA-LONDON OSA 13108/DECCA SET 561
SHOSTAKOVICH-LADY MACBETH OF MTSENSK-VISHNEVSKAYA-EMI SLS 5157
GILBERT & SULLIVAN-HMS PINAFORE-LONDON 1209 OR DECCA SKL 4081 4082
TCHAIKOVSKY-EUGENE ONEGIN-WEIKL/KUBIAK/SOLTI-LONDON OSA 13112/DECCA SET 596/8
VERDI-OTELLO-MCCRACKEN/BARBIROLLI-EMI SAN 252-4/EX 2901373
VERDI-IL TRAVATORE-SUTHERLAND/PAVAROTTI-DECCA D82 D3/LONDON OSA 13124
ASSORTED POP/ROCK/JAZZ
THE L.A.4-JUST FRIENDS-CONCORD JAZZ CJD-1001
THE L.A.4-PAVANE POUR UNE INFANTE DEFUNTE-EAST WIND EW-10003
LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS-GOIN' AWAY-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS-APB 014 (180 GRAM)
OREGON-IN PERFORMANCE-ELEKTRA 9E 304
ROUGH TRADE-LIVE!-UMBELLA UMB DD1
TATE BUCKNER BISHOP-CURCIO-I GIGANTI DEL JAZZ 13
ASSORTED SOUNDTRACKS
BRAINSTORM (SOUNDTRACK)-HORNER-TER 1074 (MGM/UA)/VARESE SARABANDE STV 81197
EMERALD FOREST (SOUNDTRACK)-HOMRICH/GASCOIGNE-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81244
THE FANTASY FILM WORLD OF BERNARD HERRMANN-DECCA PFS-4309/LONDON SP 44207
MYSTERIOUS FILM WORLD OF BERNARD HERRMANN-DECCA PFS-4337/LONDON SPC 21137
CHESKY
BERLIOZ-SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE-FRECCIA-CHESKY CR 1 (180 GRAMS)
BRAHMS-SYMPHONY NO. 1-HORENSTEIN-CHESKY CR 19
OFFENBACH-GAITE PARISIENNE-FIEDLER-CHESKY RC 110
POWER OF THE ORCHESTRA-LEIBOWITZ-CHESKY RC 30
DECCA
GERSHWIN-RHAPSODY/AN AMERICAN IN PARIS-COPLAND-FANFARE-MEHTA-DECCA SPA 525
HAYDN-CELLO CONCERTO & HORN CONCERTOS-ROSTROPOVICH/TUCKWELL-DECCA JB 121
HEROLD-LANCHBERRY-LA FILLE MAL GARDEE-ROYAL OPERA HOUSE-DECCA SXL 2313*
KODALY-PSALMUS HUNGARICUS/MISSA BREVIS-KERTESZ/HELTAY-DECCA JB 122
LISZT-PIANO CONCERTOS NO. 1 & 2-DAVIS-DECCA VIV 11 (PHASE FOUR)
MATHIAS-HARP CONCERTO/DANCE OVERTURE-ATHERTON-DECCA SXL 6607/O-L SOL 346
SCHOENBERG-PIERROT LUNAIRE-ATHERTON-DECCA SDD520
SHOSTAKOVICH-STRING QUARTETS-FITZWILLIAM QRT-L'OISEAU`LYRE OR DECCA D 188 D7
WELSH CONCERTOS (HODDINOTT/MATHIAS)-ATHERTON-DECCA SXL 6513
DECCA/LONDON
BARTOK-CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA-MEHTA-IPO-LONDON CS 6949/DECCA SXL 6730
BLOCH-SCHELOMO-MEHTA-IPO-LONDON ENTERPRISE 414 166-1/DECCA SXL 6440
BRITTEN-PRINCE OF THE PAGODAS-LONDON STS-15081/2/DECCA GOS-558 559*
CHABRIER-ESPANA & OTHER WORKS-ANSERMET-DECCA SXL 6168/JUBILEE JB 10/LONDON CS 6438
DEBUSSY-3 NOCTURNES/IMAGES: IBERIA-DORATI-DECCA SXL 6742/LONDON CSA 6968
DELIBES-SYLVIA-BONYNGE-LONDON (OR DECCA) JUBILEE 414 257-1(DUTCH PRESSINGS)*
DUKAS-SYMPHONY C/SORCERER'S APPRENTICE-WELLER-LONDON CS 6995/DECCA SXL 6770
HAYDN-THE SEASONS-(SUNG IN GERMAN)-DORATI-DECCA D 88 D 3/LONDON OSA 13128
KHACHATURIAN-SYMPHONY 2 (THE BELL)-DECCA SXL 6001/LONDON CS 6323/ENTERPRISE 414-169-1
KODALY-HARY JANOS SUITE-KERTESZ-DECCA SXL 6136/LONDON CS 6417
MESSIAEN-LA TRANSFIGURATION DE NOTRE SEIGNEUR-DORATI-DECCA/LONDON HEAD 1/2*
MOZART-SERENADE NO. 10 K.361-VIENNA WIND SOLOISTS-LONDON FINAL LOOC 5429
MOZART-PIANO CONCERTOS NOS. 20 & 27-CURZON-DECCA SXL 7007/LONDON CS 7251
PROKOFIEV-FIVE PIANO CONCERTOS-ASHKENAZY-LONDON 2314 OR DECCA 15 BB 218 219 220
RIMSKY-KORSAKOFF-SCHEHERAZADE-MEHTA-LONDON CSA 6950/DECCA SXL 6731
SCHUMANN & GRIEG-PIANO CONCERTOS-LUPU-LONDON CS 6840/DECCA SXL 6624
SHOSTAKOVITCH-SYMPHONY 15-HAITINK-LONDON CS 7130/DECCA SXL 6906
STRAVINSKY-PULCINELLA-MARRINER-ARGO ZRG 575/LONDON ENTERPRISE 411-728
STRAVINSKY-OEDIPUS REX-PEARS/SOLTI-LONDON OSA 1168/DECCA SET 616
STRAVINSKY-THE RITE OF SPRING-SOLTI-DECCA SXL 6691/LONDON CSA 6885
TCHAIKOVSKY-FRANCESCA DA RIMINI/HAMLET-DORATI-DECCA SXL 6627/LONDON CS 6841
TCHAIKOVSKY-VIOLIN CONCERTO-BELKIN-DECCA SXL 6854/LONDON CS 7076*
TCHAIKOVSKY-THE SIX SYMPHONIES-MEHTA/LAPO-LONDON CSP-10
RUSSO-STREET MUSIC OP 65 (A BLUES CONCERTO)-SIEGEL/OZAWA-DGG 2530788
STRAVINSKY-CHAMBER MUSIC-BOSTON SYMPHONY CHAMBER PLAYERS-DGG 2530551
STRAVINSKY-EBONY CONCERTO/DUMBARTON OAKS-BOULEZ-DGG 2531378
STRAVINSKY-PULCINELLA (COMPLETE BALLET)-ABBADO-DGG-2531087
TAKEMITSU-QUATRAIN/A FLOCK DESCENDS-OZAWA/BSO-DGG 2531 210*
VIRTUOSO MANDOLINS-VIVALDI/SCARLATTI/BEHREND-DGG-2535249
WEILL-THE THREEPENNY OPERA SUITE/VIOLIN CONCERTO-ATHERTON-DGG 2543808
EMI/KLAVIER/ALTO
ANTILL-CORROBOREE-LANCHBERY-EMI OASD 7603
BARTOK-MUSIC FOR STRINGS, PERCUSSION AND CELESTA-ORMANDY-EMI ASD 3655
HAYDN-BARYTON TRIOS-ESTERHAZY BARTYTON TRIO-EMI HQS 1424/SLS 5095
HOLST-THE PLANETS-ANDRE PREVIN-EMI ASD 3002
LONDON FESTIVAL BALLET GALA-TERENCE KERN-EMI SLS 842
MAHLER-DES KNABEN WUNDERHORN-SZELL/SCHWARZKOPF-EMI ASD 1000981
MASSENET-LE CID-FREMAUX- KLAVIER KS 522 (180 GRAM)
MESSIAEN-TURANGALILA SYMPHONY-BEROFF/LORIOD/PREVIN-EMI SLS 5117
MUSSORGSKY-PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION/STRAVINSKY-FIREBIRD SUITE-MUTI-EMI ASD 3645
OFFENBACH-OVERTURES-FREMAUX-KLAVIER KS 517 (180 GRAM)
SAINT-SAENS-CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS-FREMAUX-KLAVIER ANALOG KS 527 (180 GRAM)
SHOSTAKOVITCH-SYMPHONY NO.13 (BABI YAR)-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3911 (ALTO REISSUE)*
SULLIVAN-MERCHANT OF VENICE/THE TEMPEST-DUNN-KLAVIER KS 521
TCHAIKOVSKY-MANFRED SYMPHONY-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3018 (ALTO REISSUE)*
WALTON-TE DEUM/GLORIA/CROWN IMPERIAL-FREMAUX-EMI ESD 1063711
HARMONIA MUNDI (FRANCE)
BYRD-MISSA IN TEMPORE PASCHALI-CHANTICLEER-HARMONIA MUNDI (USA) HMC 5182
LES CANTIGAS DE SANTA MARIA-CLEMENCIC CONSORT-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 977/79
CARMINA BURANA-VOLUME 5-CLEMENCIC CONSORT-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 339
CHARPENTIER-LES ANTIENNES "O" DE L'AVENT-CHRISTIE-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 5124
CORELLI-CONCERTI GROSSI OP.6-CONCERTO'S 1 TO 6-HARMONICA MUNDI (USA) 7014
DANSES ANCIENNES DE HONGRIE-CLEMENCIC CONSORT-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1003
DUFAY-MISSA SINE/DANSES MEDIEVALES-CLEMENIC CONSORT-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 939
HANDEL-ARIAS FOR SENESINO-MINTER-HARMONIA MUNDI (USA)-HMC 5183*
JOSQUIN DES PREZ-MISSA PANGE LINGUA-JOEL COHEN-HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 5119
MACHAUT-MESSE DE NOSTRE-DAME/CHANSONS-COHEN-HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 5122
MOLIERE (SOUNDTRACK)-CLEMENCIC CONSORT-HARMONIA MUNDI FRANCE HM 1020
MOZART-HORN CONCERTOS-GREER-HARMONIA MUNDI (USA)- HMU 7012
MUSIQUE ARABO-ANDALOUSE-ATRIUM MUSICAE-HARMONIA MUNDI FRANCE-HM 389
MUSIQUE JUDEO-BAROQUE-BOSTON CAMERATA/COHEN-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1021
OFFENBACH-CELLO SUITES OP.54-PIDOUX/PECLARD-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1043
POLYPHONIE AQUITAINE DU XIIe SIECLE-ENSEMBLE ORGANUM-HARMONIA MUNDI 1134
PURCELL-MUSIC FOR A WHILE-DELLER-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 249
SCARLATTI/MELANI-ARIAS & CANTATES-NELSON/FERRY-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 5137*
HYPERION
BACH-HUNT CANTATA/NO. 208-KIRKBY/SMITH-HYPERION A 66169
BLISS-STRING QUARTETS-DELME QUARTET-HYPERION A 66178
CLARINET CONCERTOS-RAWSHORNE/JACOB/COOKE-KING-HYPERION A66031
HAYDN-STRING QUARTETS-OPUS 71/4-SALOMON QUARTET-HYPERION A66065/A66098/A66124*
LAWES-SITTING BY THE STREAMS-CONSORT OF MUSICKE-HYPERION A 66135
MOZART-STRING QUARTETS-"HAYDN"-SALOMON QUARTET-HYPERION A66170/A66188/A66234*
BARBER/SESSIONS/GINASTERA-HANSON-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 75049
DELIBES-SYLVIA-FISTOULARI-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 2-77005
GOULD-WEST POINT SYMPHONY-FENNELL-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 75094
HOVHANESS-SYMPHONY NO.4-ROLLER-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 75010
PISTON-THE INCREDIBLE FLUTIST/CHADWICK-SYMPHONIC SKETCHES-MERCURY SRI 75050
THOMSON-SYMPHONY ON A HYMN TUNE-HANSON-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 75063
MOBILE FIDELITY
BEETHOVEN-SYMPHONY NO.9 (CHORAL)-SOLTI/CSO-MOBILE FIDELITY MFSL 2-516
ELGAR-FALSTAFF-SYMPHONIC STUDY-BOULT-MOBILE FIDELITY MFSL 2-501
GERSHWIN-RHAPSODY IN BLUE/AN AMERICAN IN PARIS-MAAZEL-MOBILE FIDELITY-1-529
GROFE-GRAND CANYON SUITE-FIEDLER-MOBILE FIDELITY 527
HOLST-THE PLANETS-SOLTI-MOBILE FIDELITY-1-510/MFQR 1-510*
MUDDY WATERS-FOLK SINGER-MFSL 1-201*
RY COODER-JAZZ-MOBILE FIDELITY 1-085
ESTAMPIES ET DANSES ROYALES DU MOYEN AGE-LOINHDANA-PIERRE VERANY PV.83031
LES PLUS BEAUX NOELS ANCIENS-POLYPHONIA ANTIQUA-PIERRE VERANY PV 9802
SORTILEGES DE LA HARPE INDIENNE-ALDERETE-PIERRE VERANY PV 82111
ULTREIA!-POLYPHONIA ANTIQUA-PIERRE VERANY PV 83032
PROPRIUS
CANTATE DOMINO-MELLNAS/LINDER/NILSSON-PROPRIUS 7762/ATR 002*
THE GREAT ORGAN WORKS-DURUFLE/DUPRE-TOREN-PROPRIUS 7854 & 7855
JAZZ AT THE PAWNSHOP-PROPRIUS 7778/9 AND ATR 003*
MOZART-REQUIEM-SKOLD/CHOIR OF ST. JACOB-PROPRIUS 7815
RCA (CLASSIC) REISSUES
ALBENIZ-IBERIA (COMPLETE)-MOREL/PSO-RCA LSC-6094 (2) (CLASSIC REISSUE)
BARTOK-CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA-REINER-RCA LSC 1934 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
DVORAK-SYMPHONY NO. 2 (7)-MONTEUX-RCA LSC-2489 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
GOUNOD-FAUST/BIZET-CARMEN SUITE-GIBSON-RCA LSC-2449 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
MUSSORGSKY/RAVEL-PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION-REINER-RCA LSC-2201-CLASSIC REISSUE
MUSIC FOR BANG, BAA-ROOM AND HARP-SCHORY-RCA LSP-1866 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
RAVEL-ALBORADO DEL GRACIOSO/DEBUSSY-REINER-RCA LSC-2222 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
RESPIGHI-PINES OF ROME/FOUNTAINS OF ROME-REINER-RCA LSC-2436-CLASSIC REISSUE
RHAPSODIES-ENESCO/LISZT-STOKOWSKI-RCA LSC-2471 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
RIMSKY-KORSAKOFF-SCHEHERAZADE-REINER-RCA LSC-2446 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
WITCHES' BREW-ARNOLD/MUSSOURGSKY/SAINT-SAENS-RCA LSC-2225 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
I'VE GOT THE MUSIC IN ME-THELMA HOUSTON-SHEFFIELD LAB-2
THE NAME IS MAKOWICZ-ADAM MAKOWICZ-SHEFFIELD LAB 21
MCBROOM/MAYORGA-GROWING UP IN HOLLYWOOD TOWN-SHEFFIELD LAB 13
These LPs either "just miss" making the List of Supreme LP Recordings or, at the very least, they are very impressive in certain sonic parameters.
In fact, it is still very possible that a few of these records will end up in The Basic List. They are here because their special sonic attribute(s) should be recognized. They are still excellent sounding records, but they each have one or more sonic deficiencies that are "too noticeable" to qualify. (A few exceptional records, pointed out below*, are good enough to qualify.)
This Class includes more records than the others because the standards for entry are not quite as difficult to achieve.
ARGO/L'OSIEAU-LYRE
WILLIAM BOYCE-SYMPHONIES I-VIII-MARRINER-ARGO ZRG 874
BRITTEN-A CEREMONY OF CAROLS/REJOICE IN THE LAMB/MISSA BREVIS-GUEST-ARGO ZRG 5440
DANCES OF THE RENAISSANCE-MUSICA AUREA/WOLTECHE-L'OISEAU-LYRE SOL-R 330
DURUFLE-REQUIEM-GUEST-ARGO ZRG 787
FINZI-FOR ST. CECILIA/DIES NATALIS-LANGRIDGE/HICKOX-ARGO ZRG 896
HANDEL-FIREWORKS MUSIC/WATER MUSIC-MARRINER-ARGO ZRG 697
HANDEL-ACIS AND GALATEA-BOULT-L'OISEAU-LYRE SOL 60011-2
HANDEL-MESSIAH-MARRINER-ARGO (OR DECCA) D18D3
HAYDN-MISSA SANCTI NICOLAI-PRESTON-L'OISEAU-LYRE DSLO 538
HAYDN-STABAT MATER/SALVE REGINA-HELTAY-ARGO ZRG 917-8
HODDINOTT-SINFONIETTA NO. 1/NIGHT MUSIC FOR ORCHESTRA-ATHERTON-ARGO ZRG 824
PERGOLESI-STABAT MATER-PALMER/HODGSON/GUEST-ARGO ZRG 913
PROKOFIEV-VISIONS FUGITIVES/WALTON-SONATA FOR STRINGS-MARRINER-ARGO ZRG 711
ROSSINI-STRING SONATAS 1, 3, 5, & 6-MARRINER-ARGO ZRG 506/KING SUPER ANALOGUE KIJC 9135
SCARLATTI, A.-ST. CECILIA MASS-GUEST-ARGO ZRG 903
STRAVINSKY-SYMPHONY OF PSALMS/CANTICUM SACRUM-PRESTON-ARGO ZRG 799
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS-CONCERTO GROSSO-MARRINER-ARGO ZRG 881
VIVALDI-LA CETRA OP.9-ASMIF/BROWN-ARGO D99D 3
WEILL-SYMPHONIES 1 & 2-BERTINI/BBC ORCHESTRA-ARGO ZRG 755
ASSORTED ANCIENT MUSIC
ARS ANTIQUA (ORGANUM/MOTETTE/CONDUCTUS)-RUHLAND-TELEFUNKEN 6.35010 DX
CARMINA BURANA-STUDIO DER FRUHEN MUSIK-TELEFUNKEN 6.35319 (2 LPS)
DOMNA-ESTHER LAMANDIER-ALIENOR AL 19*
MVSICQVE DE IOYE-HESPERION XX/SAVALL-ASTREE AS 37
MUSIC IN THE AGE OF LEONARDO DA VINCI-CLAUDE-GERVAISE-CBC MV 1022
PRAETORIUS/WIDMANN/SCHEIN-TANZMUSIK-ARCHIVE SAPM 198166 (ALTO REISSUE)
TROUBADOUR IN HUNGARY-VIDAL-HUNGAROTON SLPX 12102
ASSORTED CLASSICAL
ALFVEN-SYMFONI NR 4 "FRAN HAVSBANDET"-WESTERBERG-BLUEBELL BELL 107
BACH-DAS KANTATENWERK-COMPLETE CANTATAS-VARIOUS MUSICIANS-TELEFUNKEN (DAS ALTE WERK)
CHADWICK-SYMPHONIC SKETCHES-HANSON-SPEAKERS CORNER REISSUE 483 0633
COPLAND-APPALACHIAN SPRING-ARMENIAN-CANTABILE RECORDS CSPS 1617
COPLAND-SAGA OF THE PRAIRIES/BARBER-CAPRICORN CONCERTO-CLARK-ANDANTE DIGITAL AD72406
COPLAND-RODEO/BILLY THE KID/FANFARE-JOHANOS-TURNABOUT VOX TV-34169/SONIC TECHNOLOGY STC-200
CRUMB-VARIAZONI/HODKINSON-FRESCO-GILBERT-LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA LS 774
DAN-CANTATA "THE TRUTH OF CREATION"-DAN-TOSHIBA TA-60068
DVORAK-SYMPHONY NO. 9 ("New World")-BATIZ-NIMBUS 45202 (45 RPM)
FESTIVAL OF LIGHT CLASSICAL MUSIC-VARIOUS COMPOSERS/CONDUCTORS-READERS DIGEST RDFS (12 LPS)
HARRIS-FOLKSONG SYMPHONY-GOLSCHMANN-VANGUARD VSD-2082
HERRMANN-SYMPHONY-HERRMANN-UNICORN RHS 331
HODDINOTT-OVERTURE JACK STRAW/SINFONIA FIDEI-GROVES-UNICORN RHD 401
KOECHLIN-"LE LIVRE DE LA JUNGLE"-SEGERSTAM-CYBELIA CY 679-680
LIEBERSON-PIANO CONCERTO-SERKIN-NEW WORLD NW 325 (DIGITAL!)
MOUSSORGSKY-PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION-MAAZEL-TELARC DIGITAL 10042
MUSICA IN BOHEMIA IN TEMPORE CAROLI IV-VENHODA-SUPRAPHON 1112 2451/2
PAGANINI-VARIOUS WORKS-ACCARDO-FONE 011 45 RPM
PART-ARBOS-DAVIES-ECM NEW SERIES 1325 831 959-1
POULENC-AUBADE/IBERT-DIVERTISSEMENT/DEBUSSY-BERNARDI-CANADIAN BROADCASTING SM5013
PROKOFIEV-ALEXANDER NEVESKY-SLATKIN-ATHENA ALSY-10003
PROKOFIEV-ROMEO AND JULIET (EXCERPTS)-LEINSDORF-SHEFFIELD LAB 8
RAVEL-SONATA FOR VIOLIN/SAINT-SAENS-FANTAISIE-CARTER CHAMBER ENSEMBLE-SOUND STORAGE SSR 2030
RAVEL/GINASTERA/SHOSTAKOVICH/WEINBERGER-GOULD-CHALFONT DIGITAL SDG 301
READER'S DIGEST TREASURY OF GREAT ROMANTIC MUSIC (10 LPS)-RDA-211/A
SHOSTAKOVICH-SYMPHONY NO. 5-STOKOWSKI-DCC (EVEREST) LPZ-2016
STENHAMMAR-SYMFONI NR 2-WESTERBERG-CAPRICE CAP 1151
STRAVINSKY-THE FIREBIRD/BORODIN-PRINCE IGOR-SHAW-TELARC DIGITAL 10039
TCHAIKOVSKY-SWAN LAKE & NUTCRACKER SUITES-BOULT-CHESKY CR94
TREASURY OF GREAT MUSIC-VARIOUS COMPOSERS/CONDUCTORS-READERS DIGEST RD47 (12 LPS)
VILLA-LOBOS-CHOROS NOS. 8 AND 9-SCHERMERHORN-RECORDS INTERNATIONAL 7002-1 (DIGITAL RECORDING)
VILLA-LOBOS-CHOROS XII-BARTHOLOMEE-RICERCAR RIC 007
VIVALDI-4 BASSOON CONCERTI-THOMPSON/LEDGER-CHANDOS ABR 1057
VIVALDI-LUTE CONCERTOS & TRIOS-FERENC-HUNGAROTON SLPX 11978
VIVALDI-VARIOUS WORKS-OHYAMA-SONIC ARTS LS-8
WAGNER-RIDE OF THE VALKYRIES/SIEGFRIED'S FUNERAL MUSIC-LEINSDORF-SHEFFIELD LAB 7
WECKMANN-ZEHN SONATEN-MUSIKALISCHE COMPAGNEY-THOROFON CAPELLA MTH 216
WILLIAMS (JOHN)-VIOLIN CONCERTO-PESKANOV/SLATKIN-VARESE SARABANDE DIGITAL 704.120
ZWILICH-SYMPHONY NO. 1-NELSON-NEW WORLD RECORDS NW 336 (DIGITAL!)
ASSORTED ETHNIC MUSIC
COCHABAMBA-MUSIQUE FOLKLORIQUE D'AMERIQUE LATINE-PIERRE VERANY PV 9791
ETHIOPIE 1&2 LITURGIE DE L'EGLISE CHRETIENNE ORTHODOXE ETHIOPIENNE-OCORA 558 558/59
HAN-NYA-EN-VARIOUS-SONY/CBS SOND-66009
INDE DU NORD-PANDIT RAM NARAYAN-SARANGI-OCORA 558638
KRISHNAMURTI-SRIDHAR-AUVIDIS AV 4507
LADYSMITH-BLACK MAMBAZO/SHAKA ZULU-WARNER BROS 25582
LES PLUS GRANDS SUCCES D'AMERIQUE LATINE-COCHABAMBA-PIERRE VERANY PV 5811
MANITAS DE PLATA-FLAMENCO GUITAR-CLASSICS RECORD LIBRARY SRL 8643 (3LP)
MASTERPIECES OF KOTO MUSIC-RCA JRS-1 (JAPANESE PRESSING)
ASSORTED JAZZ/POPULAR/ROCK/FOLK
LAURINDO ALMEIDA-VIRTUOSO GUITAR-CRYSTAL CLEAR CCS 8001* LAURIE ANDERSON-BIG SCIENCE-WARNER BROS. XBS 3674
LAURIE ANDERSON-HOME OF THE BRAVE-WARNER BROS. RECORDS 92 54001
ART BLAKEY'S JAZZ MESSENGERS WITH THELONIUS MONK-4 MEN WITH BEARDS 4M110
LES BROWN GOES DIRECT TO DISC-GREAT AMERICAN GRAMOPHONE GADD-1010
CLIMAX JAZZ BAND-LABYRINTH RECORDS DIRECT TO DISC LBR-1000 (DIXIE LAND)
CODONA 2-WALCOTT/CHERRY/VASCONCELOS-ECM 1177 (GERMAN)
DEAD CAN DANCE-INTO THE LABYRINTH-4AD DAD 3013
DEAD CAN DANCE-INTO THE LABYRINTH-MOBILE FIDELITY SOUND LAB MOFI 2-001
DEAD CAN DANCE-SPIRITCHASER-4AD DAD 6008
THE DOORS-STRANGE DAYS-DCC COMPACT CLASSICS LPZ-2045
ENJA-WATERMARK-GEFFEN RECORDS GHS 24233 (USA)
FAIRYTALES-RADKA TONEFF/STEVE DOBROGOSZ-ODIN LP03
FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD-RELAX-ISLAND IS-69750 (45 RPM)
MICHAEL HEDGES-AERIAL BOUNDARIES-WINDHAM HILL WH-1032
MICHAEL HEDGES-BREAKFAST IN THE FIELD-WINDHAM HILL RECORDS WH-1017
JON HENDRICKS-FAST LIVIN' BLUES-COLUMBIA CS 8605 ORG 121 REISSUE 45 RPM (2 LPS)
THE HUMAN LEAGUE-DON'T YOU WANT ME-VIRGIN VS466-12 (45 RPM)
JANICE IAN-BREAKING SILENCE-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS APP 027
JACINTHA-HERE'S TO BEN-GROOVE NOTE GRV1001-1 (2 LPS, 45RPM)
THE KING JAMES VERSION-HARRY JAMES & HIS BIG BAND-SHEFFIELD LAB-3
LUCIA HWONG-HOUSE OF SLEEPING BEAUTIES-PRIVATE MUSIC 1601
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER-FRESH AIRE III-AMERICAN GRAMAPHONE AG-365
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER-CHRISTMAS-AMERICAN GRAMAPHONE AG-1988
LOREENA MCKENNITT-THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY-QR QRLP114
CHRISTY MOORE-VOYAGE-ATLANTIC 82034
NINE INCH NAILS-PRETTY HATE MACHINE-HALO 02R-V (2 LP)
OREGON-OUT OF THE WOODS-DISCOVERY RECORDS 79004-1
OREGON-MOON AND MIND-VANGUARD VSD 79419
OREGON-ECM 1258 (GERMAN PRESSING) (DIGITAL)
PETER, PAUL AND MARY-IN THE WIND (WARNER BROS. 1507) ORG 071 REISSUE 45 RPM (2 LPS)
SIROCCO-PATHS OF THE WIND-ARIKA AR004
SPHERE-FLIGHT PATH-ELEKTRA MUSICIAN 60313
SPHERE ON TOUR-RED RECORDS VPA 191 (MADE IN ITALY)
CAT STEVENS-TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN-A&M RECORDS SP 4280
13 & GOD-ANTICON/ALIEN TRANSISTOR-ABR0050/N11
CAL TJADER-HURACAN-CRYSTAL CLEAR CCS 8003
UAKTI-VERVE 831 705-1
VANGELIS-CHINA-POLYDOR MPF 1253 (JAPANESE)
ROB WASSERMAN-DUETS-ALTO ANALOGUE AA 011 (MCA RECORDS 42131)
ANTHONY WILSON TRIO-JACK OF HEARTS-GROOVE NOTE RECORDS GRV 1046-1 (45 RPM)
*Excellent sonics, but should have been even better, because it's a 45 RPM plus a D2D.
ASSORTED SOUNDTRACKS
ALAMO BAY-RY COODER-SLASH RECORDS 92 53111
BARRY LYNDON-MUSIC FROM SOUNDTRACK-WARNER BROS RECORDS K56189 (UK PRESSING)
THE BELIEVERS-ROBINSON-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81328
BETTY BLUE-YARED-VIRGIN V2396
CAL-MARK KNOPFLER-VERTIGO VERH 17
CAT'S EYE-SILVESTRI-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81241
CITIZEN KANE-HERRMANN-RCA ARL1-0707
CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR-SILVESTRI-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81274
CREEPSHOW-JOHN HARRISON-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81160
DANCES WITH WOLVES-BARRY-EPIC 467591
DRACULA (BRAM STOKER'S)-KILAR-COLUMBIA 472746 1 (DUTCH PRESSING)
DUNE-TOTO/BRIAN ENO-POLYDOR 823 770-1
EVIL DEAD-LODUCA-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81199
FROM BEYOND-BAND-ENIGMA RECORDS SJ-73240
GOOD MORNING BABYLON-NICOLA PIOVANI-VARESE SARABANDE STV81317
HALLOWEEN-JOHN CARPENTER-VARESE SARABANDE STV81176
ICE MAN-BRUCE SMEATON-SOUTHERN CROSS RECORDS SCRS 1006
THE LAST EMPEROR-SAKAMOTO/BYRNE/SU-VIRGIN RECORDS VL 2485
LEGEND-TANGERINE DREAM-MCA-6165
THE MISSOURI BREAKS-JOHN WILLIAMS-UNITED ARTISTS UAS29971
THE MODERNS-ISHRAM/COUTURE-VIRGIN 90922
MUTANT-BAND-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81209
NEAR DARK-TANGERINE DREAM-VARESE SARABANDE DIGITAL STV 81345
NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET-BERNSTEIN-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81236
THE OMEN-GOLDSMITH-TATOO BJL 1888
OUTLAND-JERRY GOLDSMITH-WARNER HS 3551
PARIS, TEXAS-RY COODER-WARNER BROS. 92 52701
PATTY HEARST-SCOTT JOHNSON-ELEKTRA/NONESUCH 79186-1
PETER THE GREAT-ROSENTHAL-SILVA SCREEN FILM 006
PHANTASM-FRED MYROW/MALCOLM SEAGRAVE-VARESE SARABANDE VC 81105
QUO VADIS-MIKLOS ROZSA-DECCA PFS 4430/LONDON SPC 21180
RAMPAGE-ENNIO MORRICONE-VIRGIN VL 2491
RAN-TAKEMITSU-FANTASY FSP-21004
STAR TREK-THE MOTION PICTURE-GOLDSMITH-COLUMBIA JS 36334
SWEENEY TODD-ORIGINAL CAST-STEPHEN SONDHEIM-RCA CBL2-3379
THE THIEF OF BAGDAD-ROZSA-BERNSTEIN-FILMMUSIC COLLECTION FMC-8 OR BSK 3183
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD-BERNSTEIN-FILMMUSIC COLLECTION FMC-7 OR BSK 3184
TROLL-BAND-RESTLESS RECORDS 72119-1
VERTIGO-BERNARD HERRMANN-MERCURY SRI 75117
VIDEODROME-HOWARD SHORE-VARESE SARABANDE STV 81173
BIS
EARLY MUSIC AT WIK-SENFL/HEINTZ/MUSET-JOCULATORES UPSALIENSES-BIS LP-3
THE FOUR SEASONS-JOCULATORES UPSALIENSES-BIS LP-75*
SKOGEN, FLICKAN OCH FLASKAN-JOCULATORES UPSALIENSES-BIS LP-120*
COLUMBIA/CBS
DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET-TIME OUT-COLUMBIA CS 8192 (CLASSIC RECORDS REISSUE)
MILES DAVIS-SEVEN STEPS TO HEAVEN-COLUMBIA PC 8851
MILES DAVIS-WE WANT MILES-COLUMBIA C2 38005 (2 LPS)
FRIDAY NIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO-DI MEOLA/MCLAUGHLIN/DELUCIA-COLUMBIA 37512
CHARLES MINGUS-MINGUS AH UM-COLUMBIA CS 8171 (CLASSIC RECORDS REISSUE)
PASSION, GRACE & FIRE-MCLAUGHLIN/DI MEOLA/DE LUCIA-COLUMBIA FC 38645
SCHUMAN-SYMPHONY NO. 8/BARBER-ANDROMACHE'S FAREWELL-ARROYO/BERNSTEIN-COLUMBIA MS 6512
SPANISH MUSIC IN THE AGE OF EXPLORATION-JAFFEE-COLUMBIA 37208
VOLLENWEIDER-BOOK OF ROSES-COLUMBIA 4688271
VOLLENWEIDER-WHITE WINDS-COLUMBIA FM 39963
WAVERLY CONSORT-THE CHRISTMAS STORY-CBS M 37751
BACH-DOUBLE & TRIPLE CONCERTOS-COLLEGIUM AUREUM-(D) HARMONIA MUNDI 20348
DAS THUT DEM ALTEN DRACHEN ZORN-BAREN GASSLIN-(D) HARMONIA MUNDI 069-99 964
HILDEGARD VON BINGEN-ORDO VIRTUTUM-DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 20395/96
RAMEAU-ORCHESTERSUITE AUS "HIPPOLYTE ET ARICIE"-KUIJKEN-DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 065-99 837
SPIELMANN UND KLERIKER (UM 1200)-SEQUENTIA-DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 067-99 921
TROUVERES-SEQUENTIA-DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 1C 157 1695013
VIVALDI-VENEZIANISCHE KONZERTE-COLLEGIUM AUREUM-DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 1997481
ECM JAZZ
JACK DEJOHNETTE'S SPECIAL EDITION-TIN CAN ALLEY-ECM-1-1189
ZAKIR HUSSAIN-MAKING MUSIC-ECM 1349 (GERMANY)
COLLIN WALCOTT-GRAZING DREAMS-ECM 1096 (GERMANY)
EMI
ARNOLD-FLUTE CONCERTO NO.2-SOLUM/DILKES-EMI ASD 3487
ARNOLD-SYMPHONY NO.1/SARABANDE & POLKA/BECKUS-ARNOLD-EMI ASD 3823
ARNOLD-SYMPHONY NO. 5/PETERLOO OVERTURE-ARNOLD-EMI ASD 2878
BARTOK-MUSIC FOR STRINGS, PERCUSSION AND CELESTA-BARENBOIM-EMI ASD 2670
BEETHOVEN-SYMPHONY NO. 6 "PASTORAL"-MUTI-EMI ASD 3854
BERLIOZ-OVERTURES-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3212/ESD 2900301
BERLIOZ-LES NUITS D'ETE/RAVEL-SHEHERAZADE-BAKER-EMI ASD 2444
BERLIOZ-REQUIEM-FREMAUX-EMI ESDW 718
BORODIN-SYMPHONY NO. 2 ETC.-BRUSILOW-EMI ASD 3193
THE MUSIC OF BENJAMIN BRITTEN-PREVIN/HAENDEL/BERGLUND/MENUHIN-EMI SLS 5266
BRAHMS-FOUR SERIOUS SONGS-BAKER/PREVIN EMI ASD 3605
BUSONI-PIANO CONCERTO-OGDON-EMI SLS 776/SXDW 3053
BUTTERWORTH-A SHROPSHIRE LAD, ETC.-ENGLISH SINFONIA/DILKES-EMI CSD 3696
COLERIDGE-TAYLOR-HIAWATHA'S WEDDING FEAST-SARGENT-EMI ASD 467/ESD 7161
"CONCERTOS FOR PHYLLIS & CYRIL" (ARNOLD/BLISS/JACOB)-ARNOLD-EMI ASD 2612
COPLAND-BILLY THE KID/RODEO-SLATKIN-EMI (ANGEL) DS-3757 (DMM-GERMAN)
COPLAND-SYMPHONY NO.3/DANZON CUBANO/EL SALON MEXICO-MATA-EMI DS-37365 (DMM)
DELIUS-HASSAN INCIDENTAL MUSIC-HANDLEY-EMI ASD 3777 (SIDE 2)
ELGAR-CORONATION ODE-LEDGER-EMI ASD 3345
ELGAR-CELLO CONCERTO/SERENADE FOR STRINGS-TORTELIER-EMI ASD 2906
ELGAR-THE WAND OF YOUTH SUITES (1 & 2)-BOULT-EMI ASD 2356
ELGAR-SYMPHONY NO. 1 IN A FLAT-BOULT/LPO-EMI ASD 3330
ELGAR-SYMPHONY NO. 2 IN E FLAT-BOULT/LPO-EMI ASD 3266
ELGAR-THE KINGDOM-BOULT-EMI SAN 244-5/SLS 939/2
ELGAR-THE APOSTLES-BOULT-EMI SLS 976
ELGAR-THE DREAM OF GERONTIUS-BOULT-EMI SLS 987
FALLA/HALFFTER-ATLANTIDA-FRUHBECK DE BURGOS-EMI SLS 5116
FAURE-REQUIEM-WILLCOCKS-EMI ASD 2358
GERSHWIN-RHAPSODY IN BLUE/AN AMERICAN IN PARIS-PREVIN-EMI ASD 2754
HANDEL-SAUL-LEDGER-EMI SLS 5200
HAYDN-CELLO CONCERTOS IN D & C-ROSTROPOVITCH-EMI ASD 3255
HAYDN-PIANO CONCERTOS-MICHELANGELI-EMI ASD 3128
HINDEMITH-CONCERT MUSIC FOR STRINGS AND BRASS-ORMANDY-EMI ASD 3743
HOLST-BROOK GREEN SUITE ETC.-BEDFORD/HOLST/GROVES/SARGENT-EMI ESD 2900221
HOLST-A CHORAL FANTASIA/THE HYMN OF JESUS-HOLST/GROVES/PREVIN-EMI ESD 1783041
HOLST-CHORAL SYMPHONY-BOULT-EMI SAN 354
HOLST-WANDERING SCHOLAR/THE PERFECT FOOL-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3097
IBERT-ORCHESTRAL MUSIC-FREMAUX-EMI ASD 3176
LALO-SYMPHONIE ESPAGNOLE/CELLO CONCERTO-TORTELIER/FREMAUX-EMI ASD 3209
MAHLER-DAS LIED VON DER ERDE-KLEMPERER-EMI SAN 179
MENDELSSOHN-OVERTURES-ATZMON-EMI ESD 7003
MENDELSSOHN-THE FIRST WALPURGIS NIGHT-MASUR-EMI ASD 3009
MENDELSSOHN-A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3377
MENDELSSOHN-ELIJAH-DE BURGOS/JONES/BAKER/GEDDA/FISCHER-DIESKAU-EMI SLS 935
MONTEVERDI'S CONTEMPORARIES-MUNROW-EMI ASD 3393
MUSIC FOR DOUBLE BASS (ROSSINI-M.HAYDN-KEYPER-DITTERSDORF)-SLATFORD-EMI ASD 3264
MUSIC OF MEXICO (REVUELTAS/CHAVEZ/MONCAYO)-BATIZ-EMI ESD 7146
OVERTURE SPECTACULAR!/SUPPE/VERDI/HEROLD-GROVES-EMI TWO 190
POULENC-CONCERT CHAMPETRE/AUBADE ETC-PRETRE-EMI ESD 7165
POULENC-GLORIA/PIANO CONCERTO-BURROWES/ORTIZ/FREMAUX-EMI ASD 3299
PROKOFIEV-ROMEO AND JULIET (BALLET SUITE)-MUTI-EMI ASD 4068
PROKOFIEV-CINDERELLA-PREVIN-EMI SLS 1435953
PROKOFIEV-SYMPHONY NO. 5-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3115
PUNTO-FOUR HORN CONCERTOS-TUCKWELL-EMI ASD 4008
SCULTHORPE, PETER-SUN MUSIC I-IV-HOPKINS-EMI OASD 7604 (AUSTRALIA)
RACHMANINOV-THE ISLE OF THE DEAD/SYMPHONIC DANCES-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3259
RACHMANINOV-SYMPHONIES-PREVIN-EMI SLS 5225
RACHMANINOV/RESPIGHI-ETUDES TABLEAUX/TCHAIKOVSKY/KRASNAPOLSKY-EMI ASD 3013
RACHMANINOV-THE BELLS-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3284
RESPIGHI-PINES OF ROME/FOUNTAINS OF ROME-DE BURGOS-CFP 40348
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV-THE GOLDEN COCKEREL SUITE-BERGLUND-EMI ASD 3141
SCHOENBERG-GURRELIEDER-FERENCSIK-EMI SLS 884 (LIVE PERFORMANCE)
SCHUMANN-CELLO CONCERTO ETC-TORTELIER-EMI ASD 3728
SCHUMANN-FRAUENLIEBE UND LEBEN/LIEDERKREIS-SCHWARZKOPF/PARSONS-EMI ASD 3037/1C 063-02 547
SHOSTAKOVICH-THE COMPLETE STRING QUARTETS-BORODIN-EMI EX 27 0339 3
SHOSTAKOVICH-SYMPHONIES 5 & 10-BERGLUND-EMI SLS 5044
SHOSTAKOVICH-SYMPHONY NO.6/PROKOFIEV-LIEUTENANT KIJE/PREVIN-EMI ASD 3029
SHOSTAKOVICH-'LENINGRAD SYMPHONY' (NO. 7)-BERGLUND-EMI SLS 897 (2 LP SET)
SHOSTAKOVICH-SYMPHONY NO. 8-PREVIN-EMI ASD 2917
SHOSTAKOVICH-SYMPHONY NO. 11-BERGLUND-EMI SLS 5177 (2 LP SET)*
SIBELIUS-SPRING SONG/THE LIGHTER MUSIC OF SIBELIUS-GROVES-EMI ASD 3287
SIBELIUS-FOUR LEGENDS-GROVES-EMI ASD 3092
SIBELIUS-THE COMPLETE SYMPHONIES-BERGLUND-EMI SLS 5129/INDIVIDUAL ENGLISH LPS
STRAVINSKY-PULCINELLA-RATTLE-EMI ASD 3604
TCHAIKOVSKY-SWAN LAKE-PREVIN-EMI SLS 5070
TCHAIKOVSKY-SYMPHONIES 1 TO 6-MUTI-EMI ASD 3213/3488/3449/3816/3717/3901
TCHAIKOVSKY-ROCOCO VARIATIONS ETC.-TORTELIER-EMI ASD 2954
TJEKNAVORIAN-OTHELLO (SYMPHONIC SUITE FROM BALLET)-TJEKNAVORIAN-EMI EL27 03221 (DIGITAL!)
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS-RIDERS TO THE SEA/FOLK SONGS-DAVIES-EMI ESD 1782991
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS-THE WASPS ETC.-BOULT-EMI ASD 2914
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS-THE NINE SYMPHONIES-BOULT-EMI SLS 822
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS-CHORAL MUSIC-BOULT/WILLCOCKS-EMI SLS 5082
VERDI-MACBETH-MUTI-EMI SLS 992
VILLA-LOBOS-BACHIANAS BRASILEIRAS NO.3-ORTIZ/ASHKENAZY-EMI ASD 3429
WALTON-SYMPHONY NO.2/LAMBERT-THE RIO GRANDE-PREVIN EMI ASD 2990
WALTON-BELSHAZZAR'S FEAST/IMPROVISATIONS-PREVIN-EMI SAN 324
WALTON/SHOSTAKOVITCH-CELLO CONCERTOS-TORTELIER-EMI ASD 2924
WILLIAMS-FANTASIA ON WELSH NURSERY TUNES ETC.-GROVES- EMI ASD 3006
ERATO
DUKAS-LA PERI/SYMPHONIE EN UT MAJEUR-JORDAN-ERATO 75175 (DIGITAL)
HAENDEL-SAMSON-LEPPARD-ERATO STU 71240
JOLVIET-2ND CONCERTO PER VIOLONCELLO-ROSTROPOVITCH-ERATO STU 70509
L'HOMME ARME-BOSTON CAMERATA/COHEN-ERATO NUM 75252
LA PRIMAVERA-BOSTON CAMERATA/COHEN-ERATO STU 71545
STRAVINSKY-NOCES/RENARD/RAGTIME-DUTOIT-ERATO STU 70737
EVEREST (CLASSIC REISSUES)
AMIROV-AZERBAIJAN MUGAM-STOKOWSKI-EVEREST SDBR 3032 CLASSIC REISSUE
BARTOK-CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA-STOKOWSKI-EVEREST SDBR 3069 CLASSIC REISSUE
GINASTERA-ESTANCIA/PANAMBI-GOOSSENS-EVEREST SDBR 3041 CLASSIC REISSUE
KHATCHATURIAN-PIANO CONCERTO-KATIN/RIGNOLD-EVEREST SDBR 3055 CLASSIC REISSUE
PROKOFIEV-SYMPHONY NO. 5-SARGENT-EVEREST SDBR 3034 (CLASSIC REISSUE)
RESPIGHI-FOUNTAINS OF ROME/PINES OF ROME-SARGENT-EVEREST SDBR 3051 CLASSIC REISSUE
WAGNER-MUSIC FROM DIE WALKURE-STOKOWSKI-EVEREST SDBR 3070 CLASSIC REISSUE
HARMONIA MUNDI (FRANCE)
HAENDEL-DUETTI E CANTATE/CONCERTO VOCALE-NELSON-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1004*
HAYDN-ZINGARESE/LANDLER-ENSEMBLE BELLA MUSICA-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1057
LE TAR-TALAI/CHEMIRANI-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1031
MARENZIO-MADRIGAUX-CONCERTO VOCALE-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1065
MEDIEVAL ENGLISH MUSIC-HILLIARD ENSENBLE-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1106
RAMEAU-ANACHREON-CHRISTIE-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1090
SCHUTZ-DIE SIEBEN WORTE JESU CHRISTI-ENSEMBLE CLEMENT JANEQUIN-HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 1255
TROUBADOURS-CLEMENCIC CONSORT-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 396-98
HYPERION
GEMMA MUSICALE-THOMAS/ROOLEY-HYPERION A66079*
HILDEGARD OF BINGEN-GOTHIC VOICES-KIRKBY/PAGE-HYPERION A66039
IT FELL ON A SUMMER'S DAY-PARTRIDGE/LINDBERG-HYPERION A66095
MONTEVERDI SACRED VOCAL MUSIC-KIRKBY/PARTRIDGE-HYPERION A66021
MY LAGAN LOVE (SONGS OF IRELAND)-PEARCE/DRAKE-HYPERION A66023
PURCELL'S LONDON-THE PARLEY OF INSTRUMENTS-HYPERION A66108
TAVERNER-MISSA GLORIA TIBI TRINITAS-THE SIXTEEN-HYPERION A66134
TIME STANDS STILL-KIRKBY/ROOLEY-HYPERION A66186*
PROKOFIEV-PIANO CONCERTO NO.3/RACHMANINOFF-JANIS-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 75019
RESPIGHI-THE BIRDS/BRAZILIAN IMPRESSIONS-DORATI-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 75023
ROGERS-THREE JAPANESE DANCES-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 75093
WAGNER FOR BAND-FENNELL-MERCURY GOLDEN IMPORTS SRI 75096 (Not as good as the Speakers Corner Reissue)
MOBILE FIDELITY
LOUIS ARMSTRONG & DUKE ELLINGTON-MOBILE FIDELITY 2-155/ROULETTE "ORIGINAL"
THE FOUR FACES OF JAZZ-HERRMANN-MOBILE FIDELITY MFSL 1-255
TOUCH-JOHN KLEMMER-MOBILE FIDELITY MFSL 1-006
SIBELIUS-FOUR LEGENDS-ORMANDY-MOBILE FIDELITY MFSL 1-523
CAT STEVENS-TEASER AND THE FIRECAT-MOBILE FIDELITY 1-244
CAT STEVENS-TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN-MOBILE FIDELITY 1-035
NONESUCH
CRUMB-ANCIENT VOICES OF CHILDREN-WEISBERG-NONESUCH H-71255
ENSEMBLE ALCATRAZ-VISIONS AND MIRACLES-ELECTRA/NONESUCH DIGITAL 79180-1
PERCUSSION MUSIC-VARESE/COLGRASS/SAPERSTEIN/OAK/COWELL-NONESUCH H-71291
THE PERSIAN SANTUR/MUSIC OF IRAN-RASTEGAR-NEJAD-NONESUCH (EXPLORER SERIES) H-72039
THE PULSE OF TANAM-RAO-NONESUCH (EXPLORER SERIES) H-72032
VARESE-OFFRANDES/INTEGRALES/OCTANDRE/ECUATORIAL-WEISBERG-NONESUCH H-71269*
WUORINEN-PERCUSSION SYMPHONY-NEW JERSEY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE-NONESUCH H-71353
WUORINEN-CHAMBER CONCERTO-NEW JERSEY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE-NONESUCH H-71263
OPUS 3
BLUE FIVE-TOMAS ORNBERG/DAVERN-OPUS 3 8003
BUDDY BOLDEN STOMP-OPUS 3 7910
PIPOR OCH STRANGAR-PRO MUSICA INSTRUMENTALI-OPUS 3 7906
SOLERA FLAMENCO-OPUS 3 7919
TEST RECORD 1 (DEPTH OF IMAGE)-VARIOUS ARTISTS-OPUS 3 79-00
PHILIPS
BACH-DIE KUNST DER FUGE-MARRINER-PHILIPS 6747 172 (2LP)
BARTOK-ALLEGRO BARBARO/ESQUISSES/IMPROVISATIONS-KOCSIS-PHILIPS 9500 876
BARTOK-SONATA FOR TWO PIANOS & PERCUSSION-BISHOP/ARGERICH-PHILIPS 9500 434
BEETHOVEN-THE MIDDLE QUARTETS-QUARTETTO ITALIANO-PHILIPS 6703 082 (3 LPS)
BERLIOZ-HAROLD EN ITALIE-IMAI-PHILIPS 9500 026
DEBUSSY-LA MER ETC.-HAITINK-PHILIPS 9500 359
GIULIANI-GUITAR CNCRT./RODRIGO-CONCIERTO MADRIGAL-ROMEROS-PHILIPS 6500 918
HANDEL-SOLOMON-GARDINER-PHILIPS 412 612-1
HAYDN-STRING QUARTETS/"EMPEROR"/"SUNRISE"-QUARTETTO ITALIANO-PHILIPS 9500 157
JANACEK-TARAS BULBA/SINFONIETTA-ZINMAN-PHILIPS 9500 874
LISZT-PIANO CONCERTOS NO. 1 & NO. 2-RICHTER-PHILIPS 835 474
LITTLE MARCHES BY GREAT MASTERS-NETHERLANDS WIND ENSEMBLE-PHILIPS 6599 172
MAHLER-DES KNABEN WUNDERHORN-HAITINK-PHILIPS 9500 316/416 669-1
STRAVINSKY-L'OISEAU DE FEU (THE FIREBIRD)-DAVIS-PHILIPS 9500 637
TCHAIKOVSKY-SYMPHONIC WORKS (FATUM/THE STORM ETC.)-INBAL-PHILIPS 6500 467
TCHAIKOVSKY-THE NUTCRACKER-DORATI-PHILIPS 6747 257
TIPPETT-CONCERTO FOR VIOLIN, VIOLA AND CELLO-DAVIS-PHILIPS 6514 209 (DIGITAL!)
VIVALDI-SACRED MUSIC (VOLS. 1 AND 2)-NEGRI-PHILIPS 6700 116
PROPRIUS
CAN DOMINO-SATOMAA-PROPRIUS 7866/FINNGOSPEL FGLP-1016
JUBILATE-PROPRIUS 7851/FINNGOSPEL FGLP-1014*
LAUDATE!-EBY-PROPRIUS PROP 7800
LAUDATE II-EBY-PROPRIUS PROP 7860
VAAN RAUHAA-KONTULAN LAPSIKUORO/LEPISTO-PROPRIUS 7865/FINNGOSPEL FGLP-1019*
HANDEL-MESSIAH-BEECHAM-RCA LDS 6409 (4) SORIA
RESPIGHI-PINES OF ROME/FOUNTAINS OF ROME-REINER-RCA LSC-2436
RHAPSODIES-ENESCO/LISZT-STOKOWSKI-RCA LSC-2471
RIMSKY-KORSAKOFF-SCHEHERAZADE-REINER-RCA LSC-2446
ROGERS-VICTORY AT SEA VOLUME 1-BENNETT-RCA LSC-2335
STRAVINSKY-SONG OF THE NIGHTINGALE-REINER-RCA LSC-2150
RCA
GINASTERA-PIANO CONCERTO/VARIACIONES CONCERTANTES-MARTINS/LEINSDORF-RCA LSC-3029
HANSON-SYMPHONY NO. 2/GRIFFES-THE PLEASURE DOME OF KUBLA KHAN-GERHARDT-RCA GL2502
PROKOFIEV-LT. KIJE/LOVE FOR THREE ORANGES/STRAVINSKY-SUITES NOS. 1 & 2-MATA-RCA ARC1-5168
REVUELTAS-SENSEMAYA-REDES-CAMINOS-MATA-RCA (A)RL12320*
VIVALDI-THE FOUR SEASONS-KUIJKEN-RCA RL 30397
*Kenneth Wilkinson recording. The Italian pressing is a touch better than the (A)merican. Interesting music.
PETER ABELARD-PLANCTUS JEPTHA/DAVID-STUDIO DER FRUHEN MUSIK-REFLEXE 063-30123
EL BARROCO ESPANOL-HESPERION XX-REFLEXE 065-30942
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO I-BINKLEY-REFLEXE 063-30107
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO II-BINKLEY-REFLEXE 063-30108
CANSOS DE TROBAIRITZ-HESPERION XX-REFLEXE 065-30941
HEINRICH ISAAC-DIE KUNST DER NIEDERLANDER 1-HILLIARD ENSEMBLE- EMI REFLEXE 1C 069 1466921
LUDI SANCTI NICOLAI-STUDIO DER FRUHEN MUSIK-REFLEXE 065-30940
MACHAUT-CHANSONS I-BINKLEY-REFLEXE 063-30106
MACHAUT-CHANSONS II-BINKLEY-REFLEXE 063-30109
PLANCTUS-STUDIO DER FRUHEN MUSIK-REFLEXE 063-30129
POWER-MESSEN UND MOTETTEN-HILLIARD ENSEMBLE-REFLEXE 1C 069-46 402
MICHAEL PRAETORIUS-TERPSICHORE-RICERCARE-ENSEMBLE-REFLEXE 063-30117
WATER LILY
AJMER-USTAD IMRAT KHAN-WATER LILY WLA-ES-17
INDIAN ARCHITEXTURE-ALI AKBAR KHAN-WATER LILY WLA-ES-20
LILY OF THE NILE-HAMZA EL DIN-WATER LILY WLA-ES-11
MAIHAR-ALI AKBAR KHAN-WATER LILY WLA-ES-10
MISTERIO-STRUNZ & FARAH-WATER LILY WLA-CS-08
*This record's sonics are good enough to make The Basic List. It is not there, at this time, for various reasons.
These are all of the LPs that joined The Supreme Recordings from 2002 to June 2023. They will remain in this section until I write and post an actual description of them. The most recent additional listings will always be in The Recent Updates, so I would advise checking there on a regular basis for new entries.
The BASIC LIST (Or HIGHER!)
CLASSICAL
BACH-SUITES FOR UNACCOMPANIED CELLO-STARKER-MERCURY SR3-9016 SPEAKERS CORNER REISSUE
C.P.E. BACH-EIGHT SYMPHONIES-ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC-L'OISEAU-LYRE DSLO 557-8
BARTOK-BLUEBEARD'S CASTLE-SOLTI-DECCA SET 630/LONDON OSA 1174
BERLIOZ-L'ENFANCE DU CHRIST-DAVIS-PHILIPS 6700 106
BIRTWISTLE-PUNCH AND JUDY-ATHERTON-DECCA HEADLINE 24/25
BLACKFORD-SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT-BLACKFORD-ARGO ZK 85
BOUCHER-ANGES MAUDITS, VEUILLEZ MAIDER!-TREMBLAY-RADIO CANADA INTERNATIONAL RCI 522/SRC 001*
BRIDGE/MOERAN-RHAPSODIES FOR PIANO-WALLFISCH/MCCABE/BRAITHWAITE-LYRITA SRCS. 91
BRITTEN-ALBERT HERRING-BRITTEN-DECCA SET 274/6/LONDON OSA 1378
BRITTEN-MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM-BRITTEN-DECCA SET 338/40/LONDON OSA 1385
BRITTEN-OWEN WINGRAVE-BRITTEN-DECCA SET 501/2/LONDON OSA 1291
BRITTEN-THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA-BRITTEN-DECCA SET 492/3/LONDON OSA 1288
BRITTEN-PHAEDRA/SACRED AND PROFANE/PRELUDE AND FUGUE-BEDFORD/BRITTEN-DECCA SXL 6847
BRUCKNER-SYMPHONY NO. 6-SOLTI-DECCA SXL 6946/LONDON CS 7173
CAMPRA-MESSE DE REQUIEM-HERREWEGHE-HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 1251
COPLAND-APPALACHIAN SPRING/GERSHWIN-AMERICAN-MEHTA-DECCA 6811/LONDON 7031
COPLAND/BARBER-VARIOUS WORKS-CLARK-ANDANTE DIGITAL AD 72406
CRUMB-MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING/MAKROKOSMOS III-NONESUCH H-71311
DAVIES-SYMPHONY-RATTLE-DECCA HEAD 21
DEBUSSY-PIANO MUSIC-MORAVEC-VOX CUM LAUDE D-VCL 9037
DEFALLA-THE THREE-CORNERED HAT-JORDA-EVEREST SDBR 3057 CLASSIC REISSUE
DVORAK-TRIO IN F MINOR-JUNG TRIO-GROOVE NOTE RECORDS GRV1043-1 (2 LPS, 45RPM)
DVORAK-CELLO CONCERTO-STARKER-MERCURY SR90303 (SPEAKERS CORNER)
DVORAK-NEW WORLD SYMPHONY-MEHTA-DECCA SXL 6751/LONDON CS 6980
FERNEYHOUGH-TRANSIT-HOWARTH-DECCA HEAD 18
GERHARD-FIRST SYMPHONY/DANCES FROM DON QUIXOTE-DORATI-ARGO ZRG 752*
GERHARD-ASTROLOGICAL SERIES-ATHERTON-DECCA HEAD 11
HENZE-COMPASES/VIOLIN CONCERTO NO.2-FUKAI/LANGBEIN-DECCA HEAD 5
HENZE-VOICES-LONDON SINFONIETTA-DECCA HEAD 19/20
HODDINOTT-ORCHESTRAL MUSIC (SYMPHONY NO. 3)-ATHERTON-DECCA SXL 6570
HOWARTH/TAKEMITSU/BIRTWISTLE/HENZE-GRIMETHORPE SPECIAL/HOWARTH-DECCA HEAD 14
PETTERI IIVONEN-ART OF THE VIOLIN-YARLUNG RECORDS 95990-787V
LIGETI-MELODIEN/DOUBLE CONCERTO/CHAMBER CONCERTO-ATHERTON-DECCA HEAD 12
LISZT-ETUDES/ETUDEN-ARRAU-PHILIPS 6747 412 (2 LPS)
LOBET IHN MIT SAITENSPIEL-PASSION UND OSTERN-VIOLA DA GAMBA CONCERT WIEN-CARUS 63.122
LUTOSLAWSKI/BERKELEY/BEDFORD/PEARS/LONDON SINFONIETTA-DECCA HEAD 3
MAHLER-SYMPHONY NO. 5-MEHTA-DECCA SXL 6806/7/LONDON CSA 2248
MCCABE-SYMPHONY NO. 2/NOTTURNI ED ALBA-FREMAUX-EMI ASD 2904
MILNER-ROMAN SPRING/SALUTATIO ANGELICA-ATHERTON-DECCA SXL 6699
NEW WORLD CONSORT-AU VERD BOYS/TO THE GREENWOOD-COLLEGIUM RECORDS COL 8407
ORFF-CARMINA BURANA-KEGEL-EDITION PHONIX EPH-15 (2 LP SET)*
PANUFNIK-SINFONIA DI SFERE/SINFONIA MISTICA-ATHERTON-DECCA HEAD 22*
PARTCH-DELUSION OF THE FURY-MITCHELL-COLUMBIA M2 30576*
PASCHAL DE L'ESTOCART-OCTONAIRES-ENSEMBLE CLEMENT JANEQUIN-HARMONIA MUNDI HM 1110
PFITZNER-GESANGE FUR BARITON UND ORCHESTER-FISCHER-DIESKAU-EMI 065 45616*
PROKOFIEV-PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2-FRAGER-RCA LSC-2465 (CLASSIC REISSUE)*
PROKOFIEV-ROMEO & JULIET (HIGHLIGHTS)-MAAZEL-KING SUPER ANALOGUE DISC KIJC-9158
PROKOFIEV-SYMPHONY NO. 5-MAAZEL-DECCA SXL 6875/LONDON CS 7099
PROKOFIEV-SYMPHONY NO. 2/LOVE OF THREE ORANGES SUITE-WELLER-DECCA SXL 6945
PROKOFIEV-SYMPHONY NO. 3/SCYTHIAN SUITE-WELLER-DECCA SXL 6852
PROKOFIEV-SYMPHONY NO. 4/RUSSIAN OVERTURE-WELLER-DECCA SXL 6908
PROKOFIEV-SYMPHONIES NOS. 1 & 7-WELLER-DECCA SXL 6702/LONDON CS 6897
RACHMANINOFF-PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3-JANIS-MERCURY SR90283 SPEAKERS CORNER REISSUE
RACHMANINOFF-PIANO CONCERTO NO.4/RHAPSODY-WILD/HORENSTEIN-CHESKY CR41
RACHMANINOV-SYMPHONY NO. 1-WELLER-DECCA SXL 6583
RACHMANINOV-SYMPHONY NO.3/ROCK-WELLER-DECCA SXL 6720
RESPIGHI-THE BIRDS/BRAZILIAN IMPRESSIONS-MERCURY SR90153 SPEAKERS CORNER REISSUE
ROOTHAM-SYMPHONY NO.1/HOLBROOKE-THE BIRDS OF RHIANNON-HANDLEY-LYRITA SRCS. 103
SAINT-SAENS-CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS-LILLIE/KATCHEN/HENDERSON-DECCA SXL 2218 (SPEAKERS CORNER)
SATIE-SOCRATE-CUENOD/PARSONS-NIMBUS 2104
SCHUBERT-DUETTE-BAKER/FISCHER-DIESKAU-DGG 2530 328
SCHULLER-SEVEN STUDIES ON THEMES OF PAUL KLEE/FETLER-CONTRASTS FOR ORCHESTRA-DORATI-MERCURY SR90282 (SPEAKERS CORNER)
SESSIONS-THE BLACK MASKERS/MCPHEE-TABUH-TABUHAN-HANSON-SPEAKERS CORNER REISSUE 483 0634
SHOSTAKOVICH-SYMPHONY NO. 4-HAITINK-DECCA SXL 6927/LONDON CS 7160
SHOSTAKOVICH-SYMPHONY NO. 4-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3440
SIBELIUS-LUONNOTAR/EN SAGA/ETC.-DORATI/JONES-EMI ASD 2486
SIBELIUS-THE TEMPEST/IN MEMORIUM-GROVES-EMI ASD 2961
STOCKHAUSEN-ZYKLUS POUR UN BATTTEUR/NODA-ECLOGUE-YOSHIHARA/NAKAGAWA-RCA RDC-1
TCHAIKOVSKY-SYMPHONY NO. 5-ASHKENAZY-DECCA SXL 6884/LONDON CS 7107
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS-JOB-A MASQUE FOR DANCING-BOULT-EMI ASD 2673
VIVALDI-CONCERTOS-ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC-L'OISEAU-LYRE DSLO 544
WAGNER FOR BAND-FENNELL-MERCURY SR90276 SPEAKERS CORNER REISSUE
WILLIAMSON-PIANO CONCERTO NO.2/CONCERTO FOR 2 PIANOS AND STRINGS-PRYOR-EMI EMD 5520*
WOLF-ITALIENISCHES LIEDERBUCH-LUDWIG/FISCHER-DIESKAU/BARENBOIM-DGG 2707 114 (2 LP)
*These LPs were originally in The Honorable Mentions, but I reevaluated them after the recent improvements in my audio system.
ANCIENT MUSIC
BEGONA OLAVIDE-SALTERIO-M-A RECORDINGS M025-AV (180 GRAM PRESSING)*
CORSICA CHANTS POLYPHONIQUES-E VOCE DI U CUMUNE-HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 1256**
ELIZABETHAN BALLADS AND THEATRE MUSIC-MUSICIANS OF SWANNE ALLEY-VIRGIN CLASSICS VC 7 90789-1
THE LAST OF THE TROUBADOURS-BEST-MEDIEVAL ENSEMBLE-NIMBUS-45008 (45 RPM)
MEDIEVAL MUSIC-JAYE CONSORT/ENGLISH-EVEREST 3447
TROUBADOURS & TROUVERES-BINKLEY-TELEFUNKEN 6.35519 (2 LPS)
*A digital recording, but still superb. Caveat- The two pressings I've heard have both been noisy.
**Outstanding recording of voices, which was originally placed in "The Honorable Mentions". Reevaluated. The voices are somewhat "raw", but very passionate.
NON-CLASSICAL
PATRICIA BARBER-CAFE BLUE-PREMONITION RECORDS 90746
COUNT BASIE-"88 BASIE STREET"-PABLO 2310-901 (ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS 45 RPM)
ANNE BISSON-PORTRAITS & PERFUMES-CAMILIO RECORDS CAM5-2004*
ANNE BISSON TRIO-FOUR SEASONS IN JAZZ-BRILLIANCE MUSIC @ STUDIOS BMS-DD 101-45 (45 RPM - 2 LPS)
THE BLUE NILE-A WALK ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS-LINN RECORDS LKH 1
COREA AND BURTON IN CONCERT, ZURICH-ECM-2-1182
DEAD CAN DANCE-TOWARD THE WITHIN-4AD DAD 4015 (2LPS-MADE IN ENGLAND)
DEAD CAN DANCE-ANASTASIS (2 LPS)
DRAGONSLAYER-NORTH-LABEL X LXSE 2-001 (2 LPS-45 RPM)**
VICTOR FELDMAN-SECRET OF THE ANDES-NAUTILUS RECORDINGS NR50
FRIDAY NIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO-DI MEOLA/MCLAUGHLIN/DELUCIA-(COLUMBIA FC 37152) ORG 125 REISSUE 45 RPM (2 LPS)
MICHAEL GARSON-SERENDIPITY-REFERENCE RECORDINGS RR-20
ROY GAINES-I GOT THE T-BONE WALKER BLUES-GROOVE NOTE GRV 1002-45 45 RPM (2 LPS)
DAVE GRUSIN-DISCOVERED AGAIN!-SHEFFIELD LAB-5
MICHAEL HEDGES-LIVE ON THE DOUBLE PLANET-WINDHAM HILL RECORDS WH-1066
JACINTHA IS HER NAME-GROOVE NOTE RECORDS GRV1014-1 (45 RPM)
JOE JACKSON-BODY AND SOUL-A & M SP-5000
KITAMURA-30 YEARS IN 30 MINUTES-TOSHIBA LF-95012
KLEMMER-FINESSE-NAUTILUS NR 22 (D2D)
DIANA KRALL-LIVE IN PARIS-VERVE ORG 003 (180 GRAMS/2 LPS)
DOUG MACLEOD-COME TO FIND-ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS APB 1027 REISSUE***
OREGON-IN CONCERT-VANGUARD VSD 79358
DIANA PANTON TRIO + 1-PINK-EW-112688
GEORGE SHEARING QUINTET/SAN FRANCISCO SCENE/PAUSA 9057****
TALES OF BEATRIX POTTER-JOHN LANCHBERY-EMI CSD 3690
TOM VAN DER GELD AND CHILDREN AT PLAY-PATIENCE-ECM-1-1113*****
*One of the finest digital recordings I've ever heard. Ms. Bisson's voice will not please all listeners.
**Maybe the finest soundtrack recording ever made. Rare- Only 2,500 pressings.
***Stupendous! Will be in the upper classes. It has incredible (sometimes shocking) dynamic qualities, plus the detail, immediacy and presence of a good direct-to-disc LP. A "must have".
****Outstanding sonics in every manner. A reissue of a live recording. Short sides, but it still has variety, including "Latin" cuts. Percussion is thrilling at times. Pressing is ultra (CD) quiet.
*****Another "stupendous" record going into the upper classes. This LP defines "immediacy" and "aliveness", like a good direct-to-disc. The finest ECM recording I've ever heard, and I've heard alot of them.
ETHNIC MUSIC
ANCIENT TURKISH MUSIC IN EUROPE-KECSKES ENSEMBLE-HUNGAROTON SLPX 12560*
FAMOUS JAPANESE KOTO MUSIC-MIYAGI/YABASHI-SAWAI/YAMAMOTO-RCA JRS-1 (JAPAN)
JAPON 7-SHOMYO:CHANT LITURIQUE BOUDDHIQUE, SECTE SHINGON-KOBODAISHI MIEKU-OCORA 558 657
MUSIC IN RENAISSANCE TRANSYLVANIA-BAKFARK BALINT LUTE TRIO-HUNGAROTON SLPX 12047*
MUSIQUE PERSANE-OCORA OCR 57
*I think the two best I've ever heard from this label.
THE HONORABLE MENTIONS
Important Notice- The newest additions, if any, to The Honorable Mentions are currently in The Recent File. The complete additions from 2002 to 2021 have already been added to the original list of The Honorable Mentions seen above.
JUNE 2022
CLASSICAL
VIVALDI/GLORIA/PRESTON/L'OISEAU-LYRE DSLO 554 WINDS IN HI-FI/FENNELL/MERCURY SR90173 SPEAKERS CORNER REISSUE*
*Slightly veiled compared to earlier reissue Golden Imports SRI 75093, but is otherwise outstanding.
Below is a short list of my favorite recordings of the music of the great Classical composers which I also consider to be among their most essential to hear and own. This list will be for those audiophiles and/or music lovers who want to "get into Classical Music", but have found no other place to start. I'm not a musicologist, nor a formerly trained musician or record reviewer, but I've been listening and studying this music for more than 45 years, and the recordings I will choose have brought me great joy and satisfaction for many years and, in some instances, decades.
The music and the performances are the only two criteria on this list, and not the sonics, like The Supreme Recordings. I'm not even going to ignore the worst pressings. Finally, these compositions are almost all great masterpieces, meaning no one performance can ever be "definitive", so other choices may be equally (or even more) satisfying to many music lovers.
BACH-ORGAN FAVORITES VOL. 1-BIGGS-COLUMBIA MS 6261
BACH-ORGAN MUSIC-WALCHA-DGG 139 114
BACH-BRANDENBURG CONCERTOS-MUNCHINGER-DECCA 5 BB 130/1/LONDON CSA 2301
BACH-MASS IN B MINOR-RICHTER-DGG ARCHIVE 2710 001
BARTOK-CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA-SOLTI-DECCA SXL 6212/LONDON CS 6784
BEETHOVEN-PIANO SONATAS (8-14-23)-ARRAU-PHILIPS 6599 308
BEETHOVEN-PIANO SONATAS (17-21)-ARRAU-PHILIPS 6570 190
BEETHOVEN-LATE QUARTETS (12-16)-VEGH QUARTET-TELEFUNKEN SKA 25113-T/1-4 (6.35040)
BEETHOVEN-THE FIVE PIANO CONCERTOS-ASHKENAZY-DECCA SXL 6594/7/LONDON CSA-2404
BEETHOVEN-VIOLIN CONCERTO-GRUMIAUX-PHILIPS 6500 775
BEETHOVEN-THE NINE SYMPHONIES (1960s)-KARAJAN-DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 2721 055
BEETHOVEN-SYMPHONY NO. 6 ("PASTORALE")-WALTER-COLUMBIA MS 6012
BEETHOVEN-MISSA SOLEMNIS-KARAJAN-EMI SLS 5198/ANGEL S 3595
BERLIOZ-SYMPHONY FANTASTIQUE-FRECCIA-CHESKY CR1
BIZET-CARMEN-DE LOS ANGELES/BEECHAM-EMI SLS 5021/ANGEL S 3613
BRAHMS-VIOLIN CONCERTO-GRUMIAUX-PHILIPS 6500 299
BRAHMS-THE FOUR SYMPHONIES-SZELL-COLUMBIA 77356
BRAHMS-A GERMAN REQUIEM-KARAJAN-EMI SLS 996/ANGEL S 3838
MAHLER-SYMPHONY NO. 2-BERNSTEIN-DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 423 395-1
MAHLER-DAS LIED VON DER ERDE-KLEMPERER-EMI SAN 179/ANGEL S 3704
MENDELSSOHN/BRUCH-VIOLIN CONCERTOS-PERLMAN-EMI ASD 2926/ANGEL S 36963
MENDELSSOHN-A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM-PREVIN-EMI ASD 3377/ANGEL S 37268
MENDELSSOHN/SCHUBERT-SYMPHONIES 4/8-SINOPOLI-DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 410 862-1
MOZART-CLARINET QUINTET K. 581-PAY/ASMIF-PHILIPS 9500 772
MOZART-CLARINET CONCERTO-BRYMER-PHILIPS 6500 378
MOZART-PIANO CONCERTOS NOS. 20/27-CURZON-DECCA SXL 7007
MOZART-PIANO CONCERTOS NOS. 21/25-BISHOP-PHILIPS 6500 431
MOZART-SYMPHONIES NO. 40 & NO. 41-BOHM-DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 2530 780
MOZART-THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO-GIULINI-EMI SLS 5152/ANGEL S 3608
MOZART-REQUIEM K. 626-SCHREIER-PHILIPS 6514 320
MUSSORGSKY/RAVEL-PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION-MUTI-EMI ASD 3645/ANGEL S 37539*
MUSSORGSKY-BORIS GODUNOV (HIGHLIGHTS)-CHRISTOFF/CLUYTENS-EMI SXLP 30547/ANGEL S 36169
If you have a question, or want audio advice and/or consultation:
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