Classical Companion

Holst The Planets
Warner Classics 2435669345
Notwithstanding the later KEF-sponsored EMI version, this NPO one (here with other Holst pieces, conductor Previn) is the better choice.

Sir Adrian Boult: From Bach to Wagner
Warner Classics 6356572 (11 CDs)
Schubert's Symphony No 9 is the standout item in a 1970s LPO reissues box ranging from Bach via Brahms to Wagner.

Brahms and Schubert
Warner Classics 5627912 (44.1kHz/16-bit)
A more economic Schubert No 9 purchase, with the Academic Festival Overture and Alto Rhapsody (Dame Janet Baker/LPO).

Nixa-Westminster stereo recordings Vol 1
First Hand Records FHR006 (44.1kHz/16-bit)
Britten, Walton and Elgar: 1956 recordings that include an outstanding Falstaff.

Boult conducts Coates
Lyrita SRCD246
Lighter repertoire by Eric Coates (incl. the Dambusters March) coupled with Britten, Delius, Grainger and VW's 'Wasps' Suite.

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
ICA Classics (DVD)
Filmed for the BBC at Canterbury Cathedral in 1968 – LPO & Ch; Janet Baker, Peter Pears and John Shirley-Quirk – this DVD comes with a 60m documentary about the conductor.