On Fri, 30 Dec 2005, Steve Schwartz wrote: >I also have no idea what the word "best" means in this context. Schiff >is definitely one of the better ones I've heard (I assume you're talking >about his first recording; I understand he's re-recorded it, but I haven't >heard it), but I also like several of Tureck's traversals and those of >several others. All of the really good ones differ from each other. >All of them offer a different take on the music. To me, you're asking >a question like "what's the highest star?" I usually say the same thing. "Best" is a matter of personal taste. In my own case, one day I'll listen and swoon over S. Richter's interpretations, the next I might listen to Leonhardt on harpsichord, then back to Gould, on to Tureck, etc. etc. I have never heard a performance I hated. All the musicians named are excellent in their own ways. The only way you will find out what's "best" is by listening to a bunch of them over and over. That's a great assignment, though, because the more you hear of these, the more you will notice and appreciate. Heck, even the Swingle Singers did a few of them. Great for listening to and participating. Mimi