This is brilliant music both in its own right, and in terms of the historical development of the violin concerto. Either way, it deserves a hearing as much as (say) Beethoven's 5th. This marvellous live recording captures the magic perfectly.

Where do you start with Mozart? I'd suggest this is a great place to start - especially if you like piano concertos. It showcases Mozart's lyrical powers at his very best. While Curzon looks like a corporate executive or head of accounting on the cover, his interpretation is really very subtle, tender, beautiful and enjoyable. I'd also highly recommend Curzon playing Brahms.

Not surprised to read that this recording moves some people to tears. Apparently Brahms spent more than 35 years writing and revising the score. The first time you hear it you won't be disappointed. It really does sound like an instant masterpiece, what an achievement. Oh yes, and look out for Swafford's biography of Brahms.

A wonderful combination of piano concertos, played exceptionally well. The kind of music that sounds instantly familiar. The last movement of Grieg has some quieter piano passages that are so beautiful I have to stop and replay them again and again during the performance.

The only CD on this list where IMO the performance may not be as perfect as the score. Mutter (looking gorgeous on the cover) is rather too self-conscious. Previn's orchestra is not as supportive as it could be. Perhaps furtive in the presence of Anne-Sophie? Occassionally they sound slow, as if the engineer slowed down the recording. But this only adds to the feeling of "a real event".