Schubert, you are killing me, man. I have 7 kids and 2 grandchildren. Don't ask me to pick my favorite two.
I just can't do this based on musical or artistic grounds. I can make 2 choices based on sentimental grounds. My interest in symphonic music began 42 years ago. Two recordings of symphonic works remain in my library from that early period. LvB 9th, Toscanini, NBC Symphony orchestra. LvB, 3rd symphony, HvK and the Berlin Phil, the 1963 DG recording. These two recordings for me are like my first love. They still get a fair amount of playing time.
I just can't do this based on musical or artistic grounds. I can make 2 choices based on sentimental grounds. My interest in symphonic music began 42 years ago. Two recordings of symphonic works remain in my library from that early period. LvB 9th, Toscanini, NBC Symphony orchestra. LvB, 3rd symphony, HvK and the Berlin Phil, the 1963 DG recording. These two recordings for me are like my first love. They still get a fair amount of playing time.