beautiful piano recordings: solo or small ensemble

You should look into the "Live at Maybeck Recital Hall" series for some excellent solo performances - Dave McKenna, Monty Alexander and Buddy Montgomery, to name a few.

I second the Bill evans "Conversations With Myself" recommendation. Truly a genius at work.

Also check out Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea's duet album. Not only is the playing phenomenal, but it is an intriguing work out for your system, working only one chanel at a time and hearing the two meld.

Finally, Ahamd Jamal, "World Tour" (or "Night at the Pershing") and "Live at the Montreal Jazz Fest", specifically the first cut, "Yellow Fellow".

Chick Corea: piano improvisations, Vol. 1
Richie Beirach: Elm
Steve Kuhn: Exctasy

Not the best recording, but Horowitz In Moscow was quite the hit in it's time.

If you are open to classical music suggestions, here's a solo recording of Liszt piano sonata in B minor performed by Markus Groh. Beautiful music and awesome recording quality. I highly recommend it.

http://www.markusgroh.com/index_2.htm