Ashkenazy hard to beat; sound is not up to date, though (but his Isle of the Dead is tops, bone-chilling!).
For more up-to-date sound, I recommend David Zinman and Baltimore on Telarc. Playing is not quite as exciting as Ashkenazy, but it's georgeous. It's the one I usually pull out for a listen. I don't think I've ever heard cellos sing the way they do on this recording. Lopez-Cobos and Cincy on Telarc is excellent for Sym. no. 2, very romantic, very warm sound.
So get Ashkenazy for sheer excitement, Zinman and Lopez-Cobos for very romantic readings and excellent sound.
The Rachmaninoff Third is one of the most underrated masterpieces.
Steve O.
For more up-to-date sound, I recommend David Zinman and Baltimore on Telarc. Playing is not quite as exciting as Ashkenazy, but it's georgeous. It's the one I usually pull out for a listen. I don't think I've ever heard cellos sing the way they do on this recording. Lopez-Cobos and Cincy on Telarc is excellent for Sym. no. 2, very romantic, very warm sound.
So get Ashkenazy for sheer excitement, Zinman and Lopez-Cobos for very romantic readings and excellent sound.
The Rachmaninoff Third is one of the most underrated masterpieces.
Steve O.