While discussing the Elgar 1st, I mentioned that a particular recording
of mine is one of the favourites in my entire collection.  Well.  Here's
a possibly useful posting:  Your very short list of CDs that are "perfect"
in every way--interpretation, orchestral/vocal execution and, if you want,
recording quality.

While I invite disagreement, I'm personally looking to expand my
collection.

   Bartok--"The Wooden Prince"  Jarvi/Philharmonia  Chandos
   Bruckner--Eighth Symphony  Wand NDR Orchestra RCA
   Chopin "Ballades"  Zimmerman DG
   Copland--Third Symphony  Bernstein/NYPhil  DG
   Debussy--"La Damoiselle Elue  Ameling/de Waart/SFO Philips
   Elgar--1st Symphony Sinopoli/Philharmonia  DG
   Faure--"Requiem"  Best/Corydon Hyp
   Janacek--"Sinfonietta/Taras Bulba" Makerras/Vienna London
   Prokofiev--"Romeo and Juliet"  Ozawa/Boston DG
   Schoenberg--"Gurrelieder"  Chailly/RSO London
   Strauss--"Elektra"  Sinopoli/Vienna DG

Well, these are the recordings that keep me rapt from beginning to end--the
suspension of disbelief is never interrupted.

John Smyth