Subtlety and grace mark Lipatti's every interpretation. The Bach, in particular, approaches perfection. Remarkably good sound from this 50's vintage recording.

A subtle and varied performance of Book II. Aldwell brings out the expressive potential of these pieces without becoming extravagant. A nice complement to Fellner's Book I.

Gould unravels the twining melodies in Bach's polyphony. His view is one steeped in reverance and obsession. I'm a big fan of all his Bach recordings - less so re his takes on other composers.

Beethoven brimming with urgency and excitement. Gilels can be frightening, rapturous, and utterly overwhelming. The 'named' sonatas are all tremendous, and a sampler disc is available. Of the others the performances of the Opus 2, Opus 31, and Opus 109 and 110, sonatas are my favourites.

Stephen Kovacevich's Handel variations are mesmerising. He unfolds the music so that it is perpetually fresh yet, once finished, perfect (almost inevitable). One of my absolute favourite recordings.

This is a little like listening to music in a dream. The notes are set into motion as if by a breeze, rather than by human hands. Lipatti died of cancer, aged 33, but all his recordings are priceless.

Rubinstein's beautiful performances from the 60's enjoy absolutely stunning recorded sound. I prefer sampling these one or two at a time. It's churlish to criticize a musician of the genius of Rubinstein, but I find his playing evokes similar emotions in me no matter what the piece - an idiosyncratic reaction, possibly.

The Franck Choral,Prelude et Fugue is the unexpected highlight. Which is saying something when the Liszt is this good. Perahia's playing takes every opportunity to bring out the warmth in the scores.

Buoyant with energy, these suites dance and twirl. Gavrilov and Richter are ideal interpreters both. Great recorded sound.

One of the great piano works of the twentieth century, Ligeti's etudes here find a seminal reading. Aimard shares his understanding of this complex music - vivid, angular, thrilling.

Messiaen's keyboard music is a world unto itself. While his piano works are fascinating, these organ pieces are just that much more diverse. Fabulous performance and sound too.

One of my supreme favourite recordings. Perahia is just luminous here. Reminiscent of Lipatti in tone, and with a joyous sense of rhythm, he is the complete Mozarian.

More Mozart, true: but how can you go past these performances. Slightly more supple and varied than Klien, Uchida bends Mozart to her more complex sensibility. Unmissable.

The Ravel is unsurpassable. The piece itself is inflected with jazz, and the energy and irreverance of the early twentieth century. Other performances don't really come close.

Jewel-like offerings from Pogorelich. There are many wonderful Scarlatti discs available - Walter Klien's is, perhaps, even more special, but sadly appears out of print.

Lovely flowing performances, with shadows and darkness along with the colours and light. Superb recorded sound.

A wealth of music in this box, but the Scriabin piano sonata, No.3, is especially remarkable. Recorded in 1984, the year prior to Gilels death, the piece is made to sound haunting and, conversely, startling.