I'm in a similar mode these days. I've tried many times over the years to enjoy classical music and it never really took hold...until recently.

I think you might like Shostakovich, Copland and Rimsky-Korsakov for starters.

So far, I seem to be gravitating toward Russian composers...no idea why, yet.

Hi Nrchy

Try these 2 : Smetana "My Vlast" James Levine w/the MET
Lizst "Hungarian Phapsody no.2" Boskovsky

p.s. i will comment on the Urushi as soon as i get it.

If you haven't already, try the Beethoven Violin Concerto. My favorite is the Itzhak Perlman version, Angel. the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini. Then there are some fun reissues of Chicago Symphony stuff with Fritz Reiner conducting. Try Scheherazade for starters, I think you'll like it. When you're feeling adventurous go for some Mahler. His fourth symphony is another of the great CSO/Reiner/RCA reissues. Judging from what I can read into your posts, I'd say Gustav Mahler is your kind of guy. Three seems enough for now, but you asked for recommendations from a field so wide that this can go on for a long time. Have fun.