Starting with the non-vocal performances by Sinopoli, I would list these, some of which duplicate other nominations from list members: . Respighi: Roman Trilogy, with NYPO on DGG (often advertised through BMG Club) . Schubert Unfinished on the DG Sinopoli Collection CD (not my first choice, but representative of his approach) . Bruckner 3 & 4 on DG (these showcase his productive years in Dresden) . Mahler 5 with the Philharmonia on DG (lyrical, edgy and different--stimulating, if not definitive) . Berg/Webern/Schoenberg "Viennese School" series on Teldec (affectionate and warm Dresden sounds) not a sleepy run-through in the bunch...his ideas--such as the stately Mahler Adagietto--may not be to everyone's taste, but he has taken a fresh look at each score and clearly communicates a distinctive point of view. Now to appreciate his gifts, Dave, you have to stretch a bit and try some of these vocal performances: . Puccini: Tosca, Manon Lescaut, or Madama Butterfly on DG: sweeping drama, big tunes and top stars in ringing sonics . Verdi: Rigoletto on Philips or Nabucco on DG: everything just seems to work, and the big moments have impact . Schoenberg: Gurrelieder on Teldec--a good example of the big line, building slowly at the start to a radiant finale . Strauss: Salome--the Teldec video is a steamy, R-rated romp that does full justice to Strauss' colorful scoring No doubt Sinopoli has his share of clean misses, but these recordings--plus his Strauss collection, if you can find it--represent his art and accomplishments while conveying a fresh-scrubbed look at each score. Dick Claeys