Audiophile Classical cds?

Brahms String Sextet op 18 in B flat major, by the Leipziger Quartet (+ an additional violist and cellist) on Dabringhaus und Grimm (MDG). This is truly wonderful music and is a gorgeous recording. As an aside, I have found the MDG label produces recordings easily on a par with the highly regarded ECM label.

Try any (or all) of the Mercury Living Presence recordings

Thanks for the recs, keep them coming! I haven't heard any of the Reference Recordings discs, but they cover a wide range so I'll give a couple a go.

Any thoughts on a must have starter 'big red wine' classical collection?

Beethoven 5 and 9
Mahler's 9th
Holst - the planets
Mozart - ???
etc.

If you are new to classical or not I highly recommend the Mahler and Beethoven CDs recorded by Benjamin Zander conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra of London.

Not only do you get a good sounding CD (Telarc) and an excellent performance, you get a second CD with Zander analysing the music in detail.

Many in the Mahler Society in New York consider Zander one of the best living Mahler conductors. (His Beethoven is also good.) Having hear Zander conduct for many years when I lived in Boston, I agree 100%. Zander teaches young gifted students at the New England Conservatory and has his own Boston Philharmonic that is more fun to listen to live than the Boston Symphony. He even speaks to corporate managements nationwide on inspiring people.

http://www.bostonphil.org/

http://www.benjaminzander.com/

Be sure to check out this two page Telarc brochure..

http://www.benjaminzander.com/newsletters/telarc2005.pdf

.

Thanks Sugarbrie, those look great.