Two other (not surprising, given the lack of recordings - although Hans
Richter seems to be there - but nevertheless important) absences from the
list are the conductor-composers, Gustav Mahler and Sergei Rachmaninoff.
The latter I found very impressive in the few recordings he made of his own
music (Toteninsel, 3rd Symphony) and there are enthusiastic descriptions of
his playing of Mozart and Tchaikowsky symphonies.  I would like to know,
are there any reports of whether and how he conducted any Beethoven
symphonies?

Also, can someone who admires Stokowski point me towards his particular
merits? I know his accompaniment of Rachmaninoff in his second concerto and
the Paganini Variations, both of which accompaniments I found rather oily,
and I also heard a live recording of Beethoven Symphony 7 from London in
the 1960s, which felt a bit glib and unengaged to me.  However, I was
listening to it through small speakers and perhaps the sound lost its
subtlety and musical meaning in the process.  Which of his recordings
should I listen to to get the best impression of him and his (positive)
characteristics?

Felix Delbruck
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