There's a fantastic version (hybrid SACD, so it'll play in redbook players) that was released just last year, played by Yevgeny Sudbin. The performance is very imaginative and goes against the grain. This is not to say that it's not a virtuosic performance; Sudbin's got technique to burn. But it's one of the rare Tchaikovsky 1s that's feels authentically reconsidered, respected, and rethought. Not corny at all. It's become one of my favorite versions, and Sudbin is probably the most interesting young pianist to watch, at least for me. His Scriabin sonatas are excellent, too.

Haven't heard the Sudbin version above but I'll check it out. My own personal favourite is Argerich's most recent recording with the BPO (simply can't beat 'em) under Abbado, DG 449 816-2GH. She seems to have a unique sensibility for the Russian composers and this is IMHO every bit as riveting as her highly acclaimed Rachmaninov. This is a live recording too and the frisson in the hall is quite astonishing.

He wrote frisson! A word I rarely see and which is perfect here.

Hi

This peice was supposed to be realeased by now on HD Blu Ray, i have it on back order with Amazon.

Im intrigued as to how the HD master audio will compare to SACD and DVD-A

Alan