How do you find BEST classical recordings???

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.???