A few come to (my) mind
Brahms Violin Sonatas 1, 3 : Szeryng & Rubinstein - if only everything could sound like a violin and all violins could sound like this, and everyone would just play music to make music like this.
R. Strauss Don Quixote : Reiner/Chicago - The rare example of how perfection of interpretation and playing can make a piece better than it really is--if you're a composer, this kind of rendering has got to be the windmill of your dreams.
Wagner The Ring : Solti/Vienna - You play brass and you don't know this? You're missing half of the whole tradition...giants...serpents...evil drawfs--what more do you want?
Beethoven Missa Solemnis : Klemperer / (New?) Philharmonia - music and performance at absolute full power (kind of the flip side of the Don Quixote recording)
Mozart Magic Flute : Klemperer / Philharmonia - ditto the above (if you want the dialog and a quick pace, look elsewhere, however)
May in round two, I'll think of something actually recorded digitally
