Jon Lewis wrote: >Bob, have you heard the Delius Appalachia/Song Of The High Hills >(Rozhdestvensky/ Groves) one? I've had my eye on it as I've started getting >into Delius and don't have either piece, and I'd rather have the Mackerras >with the same coupling but that doesn't seem to be available anywhere UK, >US or Can. So I might just go with this one but I was wondering if it is >one of the stinkers sound-wise. I had a quick re-listen to all the CDs I've heard so far. Here's the state of play. Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben etc .....Good sound Tippett Corelli fantasy Sym 3:: Average sound Handel Various inc Zadok the Priest: Average sound. Purcell Westminster Abbey Music:: Average sound Liszt Piano Concertos 1/2:: Sound varies concerto1 is studio and good but 2 is live and bad Walton Viola/Violin concertos:: Average sound Tchaikovsky sym4/violin concerto:: Average sound Elgar Sym 1:: Dreadful sound Dvorak Sym9:: Poor sound. I have another 9 still in their wrappers. The performance is nearly always excellent. The main sound problem is not distortion of the music or tape hiss but intrusive ambient noises. I don't mind this too much it gives it a certain air. I haven't heard the BBC Delius but I have the Mackerras in my collection. This is a fabulous CD with superb sound. My advice wait until you get this one. It's Decca London 443 171-2. Try writing to Decca. I think I bought it in an HMV sale for around 5!! Bob Draper [log in to unmask]