Since sound quality was part of the request...well I have two done by the
composer. Then one in decent sound, a BBC transcription disc of Sargent
conducting. My favorite in modern sound probably isn't on anyone's list,
but to my ears it is really quite brilliant, Steinberg with the Boston
Symphony on a DG LP. It is not an especially "British" sounding
performance, which may explain why I like it. The performance is spirited
and I like the balances in the ensemble. He seems to have placed an
emphasis on a clean sound.
Karl