Though they are hard to find, the Belgian Guides recordings are some of the best available. This is a great one, and another to watch out for is "Nuts." "Jericho" and "Festival Variations" are insanely great on that recording.

The Gran Partita is one of the first important works for winds, and the Berlin Orchestra winds tackle it brilliantly. It induces chills with its vibrant textures and virtuoso playing.

This was very difficult to find when it first came out on the relatively obscure Serendipity label. It has since been reissued by Klavier, making it more readily available. The recording is much leaner and rawer than more recent RNCM recordings that seem comparatively watered down. All of the pieces are modern classsics, led by Ellerby's charming "Paris Sketches." A real gem.

The other Klavier/Corporon recording I highly recommend is this one, made toward the end of Corporon's run at CCM. I love the passion and energy of the playing. Even a few bumps and bruises are left in! Get it for the unbelievably difficuly and delightful "Terpsichore," but also for the gems "Suite Francaise" and "Passacaglia." The whole recording is masterful.

Maslanka's Mass is one of the most challenging of all wind works. That is probably why it is seldom performed. And that is one of the reasons you owe it to yourself to hear it. The Arizona ensembles are game, and it is an admirable if imperfect effort. The sheer power of the music is startling. There are and more accessible recordings available. But this work deserves more understanding.