I try for a "realistic" level. In practice this means, for example, that the violin in a violin concerto should not be louder than a real violin can play. Unfortunately, when recordings are mastered the (featured and highly paid) soloist is often boosted relative to the orchestra, so that the orchestra is too weak when the violin is right. In a multichannel system, when the soloist is located in the center this can be corrected by lowering the center gain, and turning up the overall gain.
Some "realistic" levels are very loud...organ music and Sousa marches for example. I would never play a piano solo that loud.
Some "realistic" levels are very loud...organ music and Sousa marches for example. I would never play a piano solo that loud.