What is the best "Carmina Burana" CD you've heard?

Rushton: Just a note. I know you're mis-remembering. It's Carl Orff, not Gustav Holst.

Thanks Travis! Fingers banging the keyboard without mind being engaged... Of course it's Orff.

By the way, my favorite performance of the Orff has always been the De Burgos performance -- EMI SAN 162 (LP). Not mentioned thus far in this thread, but it may not be available on CD at this time.

Cheers!

I posted a thread on favorite C.B., and got alot of votes for the Jochum. I would have to put this one first in most aspects. But the one that interests me most is the Houston S.O. performance with Stokowski at the podium. The chorus is not as good as the Berlin, but there are some orchestral passages that Stokowski's genius shines through.

Interesting, Tweeker, I'll dig the Stokowski out. I seem to remember some Stoko tweeking (no pun) on the tempi..? Cheers

Have not heard all 25+ recordings of the C.B., the Stokowski could very well take top performance. Listen to how Stokowski takes the tempo and detail through out, but especially in the close, hear the "undulations". ( Stokowski's genius!, he missed nothing, Magician!) As well i prefered the Houston chorus more, had less of an "operatic sound"(vs the Berlin). (remember these are "cantiones profanae") Soprano Virginia Babikian sings In trutina with great,spectactular beauty and emotion. The DG vs EMI tract #21 sound totally different, i did not like the Janowitz version much, whereas the Babikian performance i could not live without. I felt the baritone, Guy Gardner had just the right tonal voice for the part. Just my impressions, you may find other versions more interesting.??