Richard Pennycuick beat me to the posting with his comments on the Fennell
EWE recordings, prompted by Steve Schwartz's review.  I became acquainted
with the Holst suites & the RVW via the 1978 Telarc recording (which was
with the Cleveland Symphonic Winds, not the EWE) and that's the version I
was "imprinted" with.  Prompted by Steve's review, I dusted off my original
British Band Classics on LP and discovered that Steve & Richard are right
-- the original performances are brighter, snappier & more energetic.
However, the Telarc is still worth having for its sonics (the bass drum
is legendary among subwoofer aficionados).

I also second Richard's recommendations for the two other (stereo) Fennell
Mercurys.  I consider Hammersmith & Lincolnshire Posy, together with the
Holst suites, to comprise the Trinity of masterpieces of British wind band
music, and the Fennell performances are definitive, with superb sonics to
boot.

-- Art Scott
Livermore, Cal.