Man in need of new music

First I agree with Erndog, although our preferences in recordings vary. I prefer Askenazy's performance on London. You might argue that the RR disc in HDCD is a 'better' recording, but I find the Ashkenazy recording more crisp which makes the music even more dynamic sounding. FWIW.

If you do choose the RR recording, be sure it's the one by Eiji Oue and the Minnesota Orchestra. (They have another by Keith Lockhart with different accompanying pieces which to my way of thinking are less attractive than Oue's.)

Now, for another RR recording that is outstanding, Copland Symphony # 3, Appalachian Spring suite, and it includes the Fanfare for the Common Man (think Olympic's theme). That 'Fanfare' will test your system, in spades! Turn up the volume!

Featuring piano, try Bavouzet playing in the piano concertos by Ravel, Debussy, and Massenet, on Chandos. Absolutely beautiful music if nothing else, but less extroverted than the other two recordings I mentioned. But, the recording quality is excellent.

Not sure if it is still in print and/or readily findable, but if you can find it I think you would be thrilled with Chesky CD31, Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 ("From The New World"), the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Jascha Horenstein. You also would not believe that it was recorded in 1962!

Also, see my post in this recent thread.

Regards,
-- Al

Beethoven Symphonies NOS. 5 & 7
Wiener Philharmoniker - Carlos Kleiber
Is considered to be one of the best recordings and performances of these works and it is available in SACD.

Another Great recent purchase: Vivaldi The Four Seasons - Gil Shaham - Orpheus Chamber Orch

Al, Thanks much for providing your excellent label list. Great search shortcut. Very helpful!

To all newbies in classical I'd recommend visiting a live performance venue first. It'll kick larger interest in classical performances.