Blown away by Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1

I second the Gilels/Ormandy. The CD is, ok, a good British pressing of the LP is better. The American pressing, as always with Columbias of that era, is barely passable.

However, the performance, the performance, the performance! All three were “on” that day.

I would sugest a CD: Naxo$ with Idil Biret. You get Piano concerto No.1 and No.2. Also new release on CD Ivan Moravec Chopin, although not Piano Concertos but other Chopin work.

I just ordered this version - Chopin: Piano Concertos by Rafal Blechacz. Really good reviews thus far.

On LP - I always enjoyed Claudio Arrau and the LPO on Phillips. Excellent performances and recordings. Typical high quality pressings as well. Piano Concertos 1 @ 2, and something I find especially attractive, Krakowiak. CD's are OK.

On CD I agree with AX's recordings as well as Ohlsson's, who incidentally recorded all of Chopin's music for solo piano on a Bosendorfer, and quite well. His 2 CD orchestral set includes Krakowiak as well as some other orchestral music.

But my favorite version of both 1 & 2 would be Krystian Zimmerman and Guilini with the LAPO on DG.

Now for something different for piano enthusiasts, Chopin's Piano Concertos 1 & 2 in a two piano (with a Quartet and double bass for support) transcription on BIS.

Good listening.

I think I'm really going to enjoy this piece. I haven't heard it yet except for a short clip from Amazon. I immediately ordered the Argerich/LSO version recommended above. Thank you