Yes, how could I have omitted the splendid Intrada productions? Perhaps they should be honored for best representing the standard symphony orchestra, while the Telarc and Decca engineers take top honors for capturng the sound of enlarged and exoticized choral-orchestral forces.

But I'm surprised at Breda's praise for the Polydors. Yes, they are essential performances. But I never found their audio quality to be up to the very highest standards. My dissatisfaction is hard to define. They sound a little "tubby" perhaps? A little "hollow"? Not enough presence or brilliance?

Go ahead, you current owners: prove me wrong with an enhanced CD issue!