Replicating a classical recording

This is a custom mic setup. I used a spaced pair as far back as I could possibly get, then I added a secondary pair at a more moderate distance (low in the mix for clarity) with the speed of sound maxed out so the distance between mic pairs didn't sound too crazy.

And glad you enjoyed it.

There are different schools of thought regarding time shifting different microphone tracks to correct for mic distance in classical recordings. Many engineers don't do it except for extreme cases (like an opera singer very far from an orchestra in a pit). It seems to cause more problems than it solves generally.

In Pianoteq the mic interface is pretty fascinating, especially being able to perfectly auto correct for distance, change speed of sound, etc. I only started adjusting the speed of sound when I didn't like the effect I was getting by removing the distance/time effect... it sounded too neutral and artificial for my taste. Without adjusting the speed of sound the time delay was understandably ridiculous. So I was pretty happy with this balance.

Right, kind of the opposite of what I was going for here. I suppose for your optimal "player" sound, getting your speakers to radiate sound like a soundboard might be key... not that it would be easy! If you solve it I'd like to know. I've been working on designs of a wooden box, like a piano case, to house a speaker system which would reflect sound out and off an angled lid. But I think a soundboard of some sort would be ideal.

I have enjoyed, immensely, your Minuet and its miking, NathanShirley.  They along with your observations are both striking and educational —in my opinion.  Recently, I myself was struggling with my trying to imagine some way to arrive at a truly classical piano recording sound via Pianoteq.  Have you considered a possible D4 post from your classical miking technique to the Pianoteq FXP Corner, because your observations are certainly insightful?