"best" version for "Toccata and Fugue D minor?

RCPrince: The Bainbridge LP was a re-issue of the original CrystalClear direct-to-disk. I have several copies of the D-to-D version, and have also heard the Bainbridge edition, and the original CrystalClear D-to-D LP is far superior.

There is one other version of the "D-Minor" that I also like. The CD is "One of a Kind - The Music of JSB", played by William Porter, and released on the Loft Recordings label (LRCD 1025). The organ is a new instrument built for Pacific Lutheran University (located in Tacoma, WA) by Paul Fritts & Company. Fritts builds organs in the northern German tradition, and the PLU organ -- while not a large instrument (54 stops and 80 ranks) -- has a very clear tone in a hall with a 3-4 second delay time. Porter uses very expressive old fingering practices and simple registrations, which makes his playing immediate and articulate. The CD was recorded in 24-bit digital. For more info, here's the link: http://www.gothicrecords.com/

For serious organ enthusiasts, take a look at the catalog of organ recordings available through the Organ Historical Society: http://www.organsociety.org/
Of particular interest is their re-release of the 3 Dorian recordings by Jean Guillou, priced at $17 for all 3 CD's. Here's the link: www.ohscatalog.com/guorspon3cds.html

SD--I didn't know Bainbridge also put it out on LP. It was also a CD release, which I have and includes the material from both the D to D records, though recorded digitally and edited to take out the fluffs from the original performance that went D to D. As you say, it is far inferior to the Direct to Disc, which I also have, but it certainly shows Fox's style very well. Fox was one of those organists either you loved or hated, but you can never say he was boring. I think Guillou has a bit of Virgil in him.

Thanks for the responses. I'll try Jean Guillou and Michael Murray.

Which symphonic version would be good? I remember owning a Eugene Ormandy LP about 20 years ago (wow). Any though about George Solti?

ny92, the Stokowski symphonic transcription is pretty good and there are many performances. A recording of this transcription that was on HP's Super Disc list for years was that of Robert Pilker conducting the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on the Chandos label. It's well performed and very well recorded with excellent orchestral weight and impact (in its original vinyl incarnation). Amazon lists it as available on CD, but since I haven't heard the transfer I can't comment on the sound of the CD.
.

Agree with Rushton on the Chandos release. Also, Telarc did a CD with Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops years ago called The Stokowski Sound which has a good version in pretty decent sound for digital, if you can find it.