Try some of the first electrical recordings. I am thinking of Sir Edward Elgar back in 1926, at Abbey Road no less, conducting many of his most significant works. Clearly these recordings reflect how he wanted his music to be played, in terms of tempo, portamento etc.
Originally released on 78-rpm records, these performances are available on CD but still in mono. There is some debate that he may have hurried the music to fit the limited time on a 78 side, but I don't think this is true. The emotional impact of these performances is greater than many later offerings from other conductors.
I could turn the question round and ask why many prefer two-channel stereo when better quality multi-channel has been available for decades?