Belatedly, here are some of my personal picks that I often use in speaker auditioning -- excellent performance and recording:

- Midori & McDonald / Elgar Vn. Sonata, Franck Vn. Sonata (Sony #SK63331)
- Kissin, Ozawa & Boston Symphony / Rachmaninoff Pf. Concerto No. 3 (BMG #09026-61548-2)
- Inbal & Frankfurt Radio Symphony / Mahler Symphony No. 8 (Denon #1564)
- Harnoncourt & Chamber Orch. of Europe / Beethoven Symphonies Nos 1-8 (Teldec #2292-46452-2)
- Canadian Brass / The Essential Canadian Brass (Philips #432571-2)