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