Top 10 Must Have Titles

LINK TO FULL VIDEO

In this installment of the Living Stereo series, I’m taking a different approach. While I’ve been reviewing individual albums and conducting shootouts between various pressings, there’s a growing sense of urgency. Some titles are disappearing quickly, and I wanted to share my picks for must-have albums from the series that are still available. If you’re wondering which ones are essential, here’s my personal Baker’s Dozen—13 standout releases from both the Decca and main RCA series that should be on your radar.

But first, some news. In my last video on Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole, I originally included five minutes of content detailing recent losses from the Living Stereo catalog. Ultimately, I cut that section because it felt too somber for a review of such a fantastic album. However, I’ll share that information here instead.

Recently Out-of-Print Titles:

1. Charle Munch: Debussy: La Mer

2. Stokowski: Rhapsodies (33 RPM edition) – The 45 RPM is still available.

3. Fritz Reiner: Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture

4. Rubenstein at Carnegie Hall

5. Jascha Heifetz: Rosza; Violin Concerto

6. Jean Morel: Bizet: L’Arlésienne Suites

7. Jean Morel: Albéniz: Iberia

8. Societa Correlli: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

However, there’s a bit of good news—three of these titles have made an unexpected return:

• Rubenstein at Carnegie Hall

• Jascha Heifetz: Rosza; Violin Concerto

• Societa Correlli: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

These appear to have been found in very limited quantities, so if you’re interested in them, I’d recommend acting fast.

My Top 13 Essential Living Stereo Titles

These aren’t ranked in a particular order, but they all represent some of the finest releases in the series.

1. Gounod: Faust & Bizet: Carmen Suites – Performed by the Royal Opera House Orchestra under Alexander Gibson, this Decca series recording is breathtaking, with dynamic sound and stunning performances.

2. Mussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain & Pictures at an Exhibition – While the Reiner versions of these works are also fantastic, this edition is electrifying and beautifully recorded.

3. Respighi: Pines of Rome & Fountains of Rome – The legendary 1S/1S pressing was pulled for being “too hot” for early turntables, but this version captures almost all the magic. The 45 RPM edition is also available.

4. The Reiner Sound (Ravel, Rachmaninoff, & More) – Rapsodie Espagnole, Pavane for a Dead Princess, and Isle of the Dead—this is an essential Ravel and Rachmaninoff showcase.

5. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade – One of the most famous Living Stereo releases. Available as both a 33 and a 45 RPM; either is an absolute must-have.

6. Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kijé & Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale – This recording was featured in RCA’s promotional materials for the Living Stereo format, and it remains a thrilling listen today.

7. Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra – Reiner had a deep connection to Bartók, and this performance is one of his defining achievements.

8. Royal Ballet Gala Performances – Conducted by Ernest Ansermet, this lavishly presented two-record set is often considered the crown jewel of the Living Stereo series.

9. Borodin: Symphony No. 2 & Capriccio Espagnol – A surprise favorite! This Decca series title has some of the best sonics I’ve encountered.

10. Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini – A fantastic recording from one of the greatest pianists of all time, still available and highly recommended.

11. Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 "Organ" – If you’re a fan of orchestral grandeur, this is an essential title with a breathtaking finale.

12. Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (Highlights) – A beautifully played and recorded selection of ballet highlights.

13. Witches Brew– A fantastic showcase of spooky orchestral music with great energy and clarity.

Final Thoughts

I know this was originally going to be a top 10 list, but there were simply too many incredible recordings to narrow it down. If you’re looking to build a Living Stereo collection and don’t know where to start, these 13 titles represent the best of what’s still available. Some may go out of print soon, so don’t wait too long if any of these catch your eye!