Your favorite Sheherazade LP ?

My Beecham with the Royal Philharmonic is on the Angel (EMI) label.
Catalog number is AE-34417

Also check out these if you come across them:

Kondrashin, Concertgeboux; Philips 9500-681

Monteux, London Symphony; London/Decca STS-15158

Previn, Vienna Philharmonic; Philips 6514-231
.

Beecham/RPO, EMI ASD 251 (Testament reissue)

Reiner/CSO, RCA LSC 2446
.

Thanks. It's easy to get in above one's head when it comes to classical music, but I know I can rely on fellow A-goners to guide a relative newcomer in the right directions. It was the FIRST time I had heard Sheherazade! I thought the imaging and soundstage were very good, but I may have been taken by the beautiful music. The timbre of the instruments--especially woodwinds--was mediocre. I will certainly check out the recordings you suggested, especially the Beecham, which is on all three of your responses.

Don't overlook Rushtons 2d nomination. Reiner and the CSO, is IMHO, more exciting and an outstanding recording. One of the great RCA Living Stereo's. It can't be beat! And audiophiles will nod their approval as well.

Beecham's is also excellent and a worthy 2d best to Reiner's. It smooth and flows beautifully, but it is not IMHO as exciting as Reiners.

There are a lot of excellent recordings of this piece, and I have my fair share, but all but the above 2 are superflous.

Enjoy..........

I concur with Rushton and Newbee re: the Reiner/CSO on RCA. A wonderful, visceral experience. The Classic Records reissue is readily available and is a great addition to any collection.

I also enjoy the Dorati/Minneapolis Scheherazade, and was just listening to it last evening (Mercury SR90332). It is a little tipped up, and my pressing doesn't quite get the bass drum right, but the pacing and performance are great.