I have two that I have been "beating the drum" for, to whomever is inclined to listen. Both are Japanese CD releases of repertoire of mainstream, post-Romantic symphonic interest.
(1). Ikuma Dan -- Six Symphonies (Decca Japan and Tower Records). These fabulous, big symphonic works are very much descendants of the Austro/German tradition. Tonal, melodically rich, dramatic, inspired -- for those who love Bruckner and later composers influenced by Bruckner, this repertoire is a must. Decca went to Vienna and hired the Vienna Symphony to record these six masterworks, and the results are simply superb. For all intents, out of print except for a domestic-restricted Japanese reprint by Tower, some enterprising label should license and release these works for the Western market.
(2) Franz Schmidt -- Das Buch mit sieben Siegeln. A sleeper recording of the Schmidt oratorio, which in my opinion is as good as any and better than most. A Japanese orchestra and chorus, European soloists mostly, and inspired conducting by Christian Arming, captured in spectacular sound by the Japanese label Fontec. IF you like the Schmidt in particular or big, Romantic choral/symphonic works in general, then you need to hear this. And a generally available western label needs to license and release it to the rest of the world.
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