The choices

Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Lucia Popp (soprano) et al; Lpo/klaus Tennstedt LPO 0026

Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2

John Lill (piano); Hallé/james Loughran Resonance CDRSB204

Mendelssohn Elijah

Bryn Terfel (bass-baritone) et al; OAE/PAUL Daniel Decca 455 6882

Strauss Ein Heldenleben

Berlin Philharmonic/simon Rattle Warner 339 3392

Verdi Don Carlos

Roberto Alagna (tenor) et al; Orchestre de Paris/antonio Pappano Warner 9029581793