Classical CD Guide


I have just received the "Classical Good CD Guide 2003", put out by Britain's Grammpohone magazine. I cannot recommend it highly enough: It's 1300 pages reviews of classical recordings, singling out the outstanding. It even serves as a solid backgrounder on the composers themselves. Price in the US is 28 dollars, ISBN 0-860-24902-6, US-distributor is Music Sales Corp. in New York, Fax (212)254 2013
hassel
Shostakovich No.4 recommendation by Gramophone: Simon Rattle and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra EMI CDC5 55476-2 (1994)
No.5: Neemi Järvi with Scottish National Orchestra, Chandos CHAN 8560 (1998). Mariss Jansons and Vienna Philharmonic EMI CDC5 56442-2 (1997)
No.6: Andrew Litton and Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Delos DE3283 (2000)
No.7: Leonard Bernstein and Chicago Symphony, DG 427 632-2GH2 (1988)
No recomm. for No.11
If you are interested in the 10th, the Von Karajan/Berlin seems to be at the top of everyone's list. I own it as well and can attest that it is a great performance.

Neeme Jarvi/Scottish also gets good marks for his 10th (and 5th mentioned above).
For Shostakovich, I would recommend the complete set by Barshai on Black Box--a fantastic bargain all way around.