Rick Mabry:

>Regarding the symphonic versions of the [Rachmaninov] Symphonic
>Dances, whose versions are recommended (by those who DO like it)?
>Ashkenazy shows up as an obvious possibility.

I've lived with the Ashkenazy for years and like it very much: the
coupling of The Isle of the Dead in a suitably brooding and passionate
version, is a definite plus.  The first version I bought on LP of the
Symphonic Dances was Ormandy's and I was delighted to find that it's
available on Sony Essential Classics, coupled with some non-essential
classics, but it's a fine version: I love Ormandy's versions of the
symphonies as well.  The original LP filler was Casella's Paganiniana,
which deserves better than limbo.

Richard Pennycuick