My Favorite Recording:Feinberg’s performance of Scriabin’s Fifth Sonata.

A performance can either make or break a composition. To my disappointment, top-quality modern recordings are few and far between, which is why I’ve always gravitated toward older recordings.

I am a follower of the difficult-to-define Grand Manner pianism. Unlike the rigid performances of many modern pianists—often constrained by competition judges and the need to appease the public—recordings in the Grand Manner feature an innate interpretative fluidity. Instead of merely replicating the composer’s art, Grand Manner pianists create their own.

You may ask, what exactly constitutes a fluid interpretation in the Grand Manner? This is best exemplified by my favorite recording: Feinberg’s performance of Scriabin’s Fifth Sonata.

Don’t be put off by the poor sound quality; beneath it lies a work of genius.

The most striking feature of this interpretation is Feinberg’s rubato. At first, it may sound erratic to someone accustomed to modern pianism, yet it brings a sense of originality, intrigue, and cohesion.

In fact, in every other area where a recording can be judged, Feinberg is both bolder and more effective than any other pianist. He offers a unique flavor. From dynamics and phrasing to tone and voicing, everything is so sublime that words hardly do it justice.

The best way to truly understand why this is my favorite recording is simply to listen to it.