Best overall Stravinski - Rites of Spring...

I agree with Reprince re Colin Davis's Stravinsky, an easy recommendation. His vinyl records should be easy to find. It was very popular. Re MTT's Rites, if you can find his 1966 version with the SFO on vinyl pick it up.

Now if you want to get your socks blown off Bernstein's 1958 performance with the NYSO will do it for you. If you can find it! Columbia Masterworks. FWIW, if you really like this piece, and are not just looking for the 'best' recording to demo your vinyl audio system, this is now out on CD and really should be heard.

Newbee, I remember that record, I think my dad had it. You're right, a tremendous performance. I'll have to look for that and the Mehta, can't have too many good versions of this piece.

I enjoy the RR recording by Eiji Oue and the Minnesota Orch and the Telarc version by Maazel and Cleveland Orch, but I'm glad for the other recommendations.

It's a timely post as I will be hearing the ROS by the Colorado Symphony tomorrow (Saturday), and I have two spare tickets. Anyone interested in attending can e-mail me for the tix...Should be great.

I second Rcprince's and Newbee's recommendations. I would add two recordings that are must-hears. Whenever possible, go to the source. IMO, Columbia's recording with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra with Stravinsky himself conducting is THE ONE if one wants to hear what the composer intended. It is a ferocious and incredibly exciting reading. Not available on vinyl, but for a similarly exciting (scary, at times) reading, Gergiev's recording with the Kirov orchestra is killer.

Right on Frogman.

I purchased this recording of the 'The Rite of Spring' in 1972.

I compare all other versions to this one.

Rich