"Pictures From Exhibition" best recording?

Performance-wise, I can also suggest Benno Moiseiwitch (2cd/mono -"Appian" - compilation of '38-'45 recordings). Richter & Horowitz are also among my favourites.

The Richter recording is by far my favorite even with the sound quality limitations. Richter's recording was, in fact, a big reason why the original paino piece began to be played again in the West.

For me, both sound and performance are very important. Therefore "emotion and Feel" are key elements. I think the version performed by Dorati and its piano coupling with Byron Janis on Mercury stands as a timeless pairing on one disc. Get this Mercury CD by all means. While a few have panned The newer Reference Recordings version with the Minnesota Orchestra, I believe its sound and impact to be the equal of the 1980s Telarc Maazel Version which has been a standard for years.

I very much go with Gregm. I also like Fritz Reiner's version with the CSO. Jonathan's suggestion makes me curious, although generally I cannot bear big orchestral music on CD, even if its done by RR...too used to and spoilt by vinyl.

with the Janis/Mercury recording....
I find the piano version very uninspired..almost mechanical.. and sonically , at least on my gear, it is as though
the piano is miked too closely..perhaps it is the remastering...
On the other hand, the orchestral version is moving and emotional...and worth the price of the cd for it alone.