In a message dated 11/2/1999 2:27:45 PM Central Standard Time, mkozusko@parallel.park.uga.edu writes: << Not in any imaginable universe am I learned in matters of classical music, but of the two recordings of the 9th I have given special time to, the Georg Solti (1972) Chicago Symphany Orchestra version is better. Plus it has the much more distinct distinction of having been recommended to me by a one-time next door neighbor whose vita was fairly topheavy with music-related accolades. >> I consider myself quite learned in the 'matters of classical music', and am also quite obsessed with Beethoven's 9th. I nearly had the urge to throw myself off the nearest building when I discovered that I was unable to obtain tickets to the Houston Symphony performance of the 9th. My favorite recording of the 9th is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Fritz Reiner (c. 1960). The Chicago Symphony Chorus is simply wonderful in the recording. If you're interested in other good classical music, check out Rachmaniov's 4 Piano Concertos, performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy with the London Symphony Orchestra under Andre Previn. ....andrew