Audiogon "RECORDINGS TO DIE FOR" list


I've been listening to some of my favorite recordings this weekend and was wondering what others on Audiogon felt were there favorites. We have all seen the Stereophile "Records to Die For", The Absolute Sounds recommended list, Music Directs' list, The Golden Ear, etc. now I'm hoping to assemble the Audiogon "Recordings To Die For". Please list your five favorite recordings, the ones you listen to over and over or play for friends. I would assume the sonic quality is excellent in that this is an audiophile site. The performance and enjoy ability should also be excellent. Please leave your top five, even if they are already chosen so we can discover the very top for the Audiogon listeners. ALSO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CRITICIZING OTHERS OPINIONS AND JUST LEAVE YOUR FAVORITES!

August 2002: I have compiled a summary and a full printer-friendly list of all of the recommendations below.
click here to view summary
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In no particular order:

1. Respighi, Pines of Rome & Fountains of Rome, Chicago SO/Reiner, RCA.
2. Hindemith: Mathis der Maler symphony/Concert Music, Boston SO/Steinberg, DGG
3. Debussy Preludes, Paul Jacobs, Nonesuch
4. Schubert, Piano Sonata in B-Flat, Richard Goode, Nonesuch
5. "English Renaissance," The King's Singers, RCA

There are lots of others too, of course...
Let me get my 5 in as it sadly appears that the thread is on the wane. I have enjoyed reading through this thread and think it has broadened my musical horizons. Thanks to all who have contributed.

1. Phantasm sound track lp Varese
2. Mussourgsky Night on Bare Mtn lp Leibowitz/RCA
3. Tchaikovsky Sym no.4 lp Karajan/Columbia
4. Stravinsky Firebird Ballet lp Dorati/Mercury
5. Schubert Sonatinas lp Martzy/Antoinietti Columbia
Great topic!

Keith Jarret/Charlie Haden: Jasmine
Explosions in the Sky - Every CD they have
Ennio Morricone - The Best of 50 Years (Society of Sound)
Tom Kerstens and the G Plus Ensemble - Utopia (Society of Sound)
Syriana - Ten Days in Bilad Al Sham (Society of Sound)
Tunng - And then we saw Land (Society of Sound)
Peter Gregson - Terminal (Society of Sound)

If you aren't already a subscriber of B&W's Society of Sound...do it today and get all the back albums. Amazing music with incredible recordings.