How do you find BEST classical recordings???

Tweekrman, several things...
it is Petri Sakari/Iceland, Panula is only conducting a Finnish orchestra on one of the smaller works in the set.
I was a principal string player in these recordings at the time. (this was about 5-6 yrs ago)
I don't think much about most critics today. So that is a moot point. I say trust your ears and heart, if it floats your boat, that that's all that matters.
I'm glad you like these recordings, they have "something".
Have you heard Beecham's Sibelius? That is a nice performance. Its true what you say about the qualities of the orchestra and recording... I guess what I miss is a cultivation, a refinement.... which I guess is kind of the opposite of nordic spirit that we are talking about, the primal sort. Oh well, I guess you can't have everything always. But that said, those strengths are also their downfall.

Ok , yes its Sakari/Iceland. I enjoy the "big-band" style of Sanderling/Berlin, Segerstam/Danish, there is always room for various Sibelius recordings, all great symphonies. WOW! So you were a part of the Sibelius Sym cycle with the Iceland. Bravo! and standing ovation! Great performance! BTW if you are looking for a "refinement" , "big-band" sound, look to the new Segerstam/Helsinki recording of 1&7 on ONDINE label. Powerful recording. He takes them faster than with his Danish recording. And the Helsinki comes through much more intense than with Berglund. But truth to tell the great new Finnish conductor Mikko Frank/Swedish R.S.O. recording Sibelius Legends/Ensaga is absolutely spectatular. Truly magical maestro! If he does a Sibelius Sym cylce with this S.R.S.O. then we'll all be in Sibelius heaven.

I'll check out the Frank recording, thanks for the tip. Sibelius is a deceptively difficult composer to get right, particularly in regards to color and spirit. I guess my true alltime fav of a sibelius recording would be the Ginette Neveu Sibelius Vln concerto. The finns are special people.

If I can't listen to a recording before I buy it, I usually select a recording on the basis of WHO is performing the work. I know which musicians play in the manner that I like. Also, in my experience, some of the OLDEST recordings are the best. Today I just received and listened to a new SACD issue of Beethoven 6th Symphony (Pastorale)recorded by Bruno Walter in January of 1958. Forty five years ago! (By the way, I also have the old LP, which I intend to compare). They must have had some darned good analog tape recorders back then, because this digital remastering is superb. Most important, the rendition has a quality that I rarely find in today's performances.

Eldart, Yes the recordings of the late 50's thru say late 60's were best sound. ADD vs the modern DDD. The Telar/Mozat sym. cd i have with Mackerras/Prague lists all the different super mics, digital equipment used in the recording. But the B. Walter/Columbia you have sounds much better. BTW, the Walter/Columbia recordings of Mozart Last 6 Symphonies are from my comparisons, the best. Sony has now released the disc you have , just 2 of the symphonies, on SACD, which is ALREADY Out Of Print..??? Not sure what Sony will do with these definitive recordings in the future.???