Best single performance

[Cato]

First thing I thought of when I saw the word "performance":

Hildegard Behrens:





http://www.metoperashop.org/shop/elektra-dvd-levine-behrens-voigt-met-opera-4098

[Lisztianwagner]

Wagner: Das Rheingold (Karajan/BPO). I don't know if the whole Ring Cycle could count for a single performance since it comprises four operas; so, I'll choose this awesome recording by the great austrian conductor.

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[Mirror Image]

Wagner: Das Rheingold (Karajan/BPO). I don't know if the whole Ring Cycle could count for a single performance since it comprises four operas; so, I'll choose this awesome recording by the great austrian conductor.

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I'll just have to nod my in full agreement here with Ilaria. A spellbinding performance from Karajan/Berliners. In fact, I consider Karajan's Ring one of the greatest achievements in recorded history. It's just that good.

[Moonfish]

This is such a hard choice (and like a few others in the thread I could change my mind tomorrow), but for now I will choose Bach's WTC performed by Rosalyn Tureck as it holds a unique place in my mind and heart.  It makes me drift off into a special timeless place of meditation and tranquility.  I own many WTCs but I always come back to this one.....

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[Daverz]

Janet Baker's Sea Pictures.  EMI keeps reissuing this in various packaging.  You can even get it as a 24/96 download.  I can't say I know every recording, but it's hard to get her performance out of my head.

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[Moonfish]

Janet Baker's Sea Pictures.  EMI keeps reissuing this in various packaging.  You can even get it as a 24/96 download.  I can't say I know every recording, but it's hard to get her performance out of my head.

[asin]B0002IPZFK[/asin]

That is a wonderful choice Daverz! It actually crossed my mind as I was pondering this one item "list". In this case the companion piece with du Pre and Elgar is spectacular as well. Still, there is truly a timeless quality to Baker's Sea Pictures. I think I will take it for a spin later. Thanks for bringing it forward!

[DavidW]

+2 that is a desert island recording!

[Wanderer]

Richter in Dvořák's Piano Concerto, Michelangeli in Rach4, Argerich in Burleske and Prométhée. Maximum awesomeness score.
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Tchaikovsky Piano Trio: Martha Argerich, Gideon Kremer and Misha Maisky.

Seconded. Argerich, especially, is here even more fiery and insightful than her usual exalted self.

[Sammy]

This is such a hard choice (and like a few others in the thread I could change my mind tomorrow), but for now I will choose Bach's WTC performed by Rosalyn Tureck as it holds a unique place in my mind and heart.  It makes me drift off into a special timeless place of meditation and tranquility.  I own many WTCs but I always come back to this one.....

[asin] B000031X83[/asin]

A wonderful choice; you beat me to it.

[Mirror Image]

Janet Baker's Sea Pictures.  EMI keeps reissuing this in various packaging.  You can even get it as a 24/96 download.  I can't say I know every recording, but it's hard to get her performance out of my head.

[asin]B0002IPZFK[/asin]

Absolutely in agreement with you there. No one has topped Dame Janet's performance yet.

[NJ Joe]

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This one was on my short list. Great choice.

[Mirror Image]

Another one for me:



I have yet to hear a violinist that brings as much tension, drama, and intensity to Berg's Violin Concerto as Mutter. She became this music and the way she weaves in and out of the orchestral fabric makes it seem like, especially in the climaxes, blood-curdling screams of anguish.

[Moonfish]

A wonderful choice; you beat me to it.

Are you a big fan of Bach on the piano Sammy?

[Moonfish]

Another one for me:



I have yet to hear a violinist that brings as much tension, drama, and intensity to Berg's Violin Concerto as Mutter. She became this music and the way she weaves in and out of the orchestral fabric makes it seem like, especially in the climaxes, blood-curdling screams of anguish.

One thing I like about these lists is that it inspires me to listen to pieces I have not heard. Berg's Violin Concerto is one of those. Clearly any of the pieces on this thread is worth a listen since the member that posted views it as one of the ultimate recordings in his/her collection. I have lots of listening to do. The sheer number of recordings can be a bit intimidating!

[Moonfish]

I will take the liberty to post another one as well.....   
I was completely awed by Richter's performance of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto #2 with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra under Wislocki. I heard it for the first time in the late 90s and know that it will always be close to my musical core - a desert island disc for me for sure.

[Mirror Image]

One thing I like about these lists is that it inspires me to listen to pieces I have not heard. Berg's Violin Concerto is one of those. Clearly any of the pieces on this thread is worth a listen since the member that posted views it as one of the ultimate recordings in his/her collection. I have lots of listening to do. The sheer number of recordings can be a bit intimidating!

Are you familiar with the Second Viennese School, Moonfish? If not, then I think Berg's Violin Concerto is an excellent entry point.

[North Star]

Are you familiar with the Second Viennese School, Moonfish? If not, then I think Berg's Violin Concerto is an excellent entry point.

+1, and the 'pieces' sets from all three.

[Moonfish]

Are you familiar with the Second Viennese School, Moonfish? If not, then I think Berg's Violin Concerto is an excellent entry point.

I have been exposed to a tiny bit of Schoenberg and Webern, but I certainly would not use the term familiar. The Second Viennese School is virtually unknown to me. With your recommendation I will check out Berg's Violin Concerto.

[Mirror Image]

I have been exposed to a tiny bit of Schoenberg and Webern, but I certainly would not use the term familiar. The Second Viennese School is virtually unknown to me. With your recommendation I will check out Berg's Violin Concerto.

Great! I look forward to your comments. The Berg VC is certainly a 20th Century milestone. Enjoy!

[madaboutmahler]

Immediately thought of this one..
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