Fritz Reiner – Respighi: Pines of Rome & Fountains of Rome (LP, Analogue Productions)

A highly sought-after RCA shaded dog Living Stereo title, the performance and sonics found within rate a 10/10. a must have – the dynamics are monstrous! Whichever other Respighi tone poem recordings you ultimately purchase, you MUST own this one. Since the early 60s it has been the standard by which all others have been judged, and in terms of both sound and performance, it has never really been surpassed. The final march of Pines is simply incredible: Thundering bass drum, crashing cymbals and gongs, bellowing brass – nobody since has brought the whole thing off with the same combination of excitement and discipline.