Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Rimsky-Korsakov - Borodin (1973)

Seiji Ozawa and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra seem to make the best team every time. The Prince Igor here is heard without the usual choral antics, which is both refreshing but also very surprising (personally, I do prefer it with voices).
When it comes to Scheherezade, the playing is both exhilirating and incredibly accurate all at the same time. The violin solo is of particular noteworthiness: the tricky second movement is tackled with flawless bravura playing, while the final high 'E' harmonic in the final bars of the last movement floats with no cracks or other embellishments.
If you want the definitive Scheherezade recording, this has got to be it. A real bargain.

Tracklist:

01. Sea And Sinbad's Ship [9:36]
02. Story Of The Kalender Prince [11:50]
03. The Young Prince And The Young Princess [9:43]
04. The Festival Of Bagdad-The Sea-The Ship Goes To Pieces On A Rock [12:00]