Marc Minkowski on Naive records released a wonderful performance of Bizet's L'Arlesienne and Carmen Suites in 2008 and it has become my new benchmark recording of these popular works. While this is a rather expensive release, the CD comes with a nice booklet and the MP3 Album version is at a very good price so is a recommended alternative.

Stokowski's classic performance of Carmen Suites 1 and 2 and L'Arlesienne Suites 1 and 2 is on the CBS Great Performances label. The CD may be out of print, but is available used, or comes in an MP3 Album.

Bizet's Symphony in C comes in a Bernstein Century compilation with Offenbach's Gaite Pariesienne and Orpheus Overture with some Suppe' thrown in for good measure. Bernstein gives this work a muscular performance and the companion pieces are a real treat. Also as an MP3 Album.

For the Symphony in C with the two L'Arlesienne Suites the EMI Classics Recordings of the Century release of Beecham is another safe bet if you prefer that coupling. MP3 Album version.

If you are interested in hearing the complete Carmen opera, the top of the list is the classic performance with Maria Callas with Pretre conducting on EMI. For an MP3 version try the recording by Abbado with Domingo and Milnes. For a bargain set EMI has another good recording by du Burgos.