+1 on Gieseking, though it's a crime that Walter Legge recorded him on such blowsy, antiquated equipment. There are very few recordings that convey the glory of his tone. Also, I enjoy Trifonov a lot. But I confess that I don't "get" Richter. I don't know why. I have a good friend, a fellow audiophile who studied to be a classical pianist, who keeps up with the plethora of talented young pianists. I need to sit down with him sometime and help me understand what makes Richter so special. I don't doubt that he is, but as someone who is not a trained musician I feel that I'm missing something.
