Amazing Solo Piano Recordings

On Bill Evans at Town Hall Volume 1, which is a trio record, Bill Evans plays a a 14 minute solo in memory of his father, who died two weeks previous to the concert date. IMHO this is the ultimate Bill Evans, and the most moving of solo piano improvisation I have heard--especially the improv on "Turn Out the Stars".

Hans Joahim Roedelius -- Lastwandel He's simply modern Chopin! You can simply get high without using drugs just by listening.

I've always greatly enjoyed "Nojima Plays Liszt" on Reference Recordings. In my opinion Minoru Nojima of Japan is one of the best pianists in the world.

On the first Stereophile test CD is my favorite solo piano recording. The performance is by Anna Maria Stanczyk of Frederick Chopin's Scherzo in b-flat Op. 31. The liner notes have some interesting information about the recording and performance. The CD can of course be purchased from Stereophile, or if you prefer from amusicdirect.com for $8.99 + shipping. I often use this track when auditioning equipment, especially speakers. On good systems the imaging is astonishing and the performance carries a lot of emotion.

Earwitness Transcriptions produced by Madrigal Audio.