My biggest issue with piano recordings has less to do with position or even the close mic'ing that can result in an exaggerated size of the instrument, but instead the lack of gravitas, power and harmonics that a concert grand can deliver. Many recordings sound too "lightweight" for the instrument and even when close mic'd, don't seem to reproduce the either the depth of the bass registers or the fully range of harmonic overtones that linger as the sound of one struck note decays while another is playing.
One of the best (in the sense of realistic) recordings I have is Claudine Meyers Salute to Bessie Smith. It is a little meandering, and the vocal parts can sound overloaded (though this seems to be less an issue as my system improved). What is compelling is the heft of the instrument along with a very complete aural picture of the harmonic overtones. (The performance may not be to everyone's taste and the copy I'm referring to is the original Leo Records pressing, not the later audiophile remaster).
One of the best (in the sense of realistic) recordings I have is Claudine Meyers Salute to Bessie Smith. It is a little meandering, and the vocal parts can sound overloaded (though this seems to be less an issue as my system improved). What is compelling is the heft of the instrument along with a very complete aural picture of the harmonic overtones. (The performance may not be to everyone's taste and the copy I'm referring to is the original Leo Records pressing, not the later audiophile remaster).