What made me think of this subject title was my listening to Sarah Chang, and also reading what so many have to say about her. I especially like to see her play when she was young. What a beautiful, wholesome personality and this just adds to her greatness.

I suppose when it comes to violinists she and Itzhak Perlman are, together, at the very top.

No doubt a majority of people would put Horowitz at the top, alone, with respect to modern day pianists. Appears Argerich is his main competition.

Cello: Yo Yo Ma and Han Na Chang. Also two people with outstanding personalities.

Other instrumentalists who are at the very top? Welcome your thoughts. Always searching for talent to enjoy!

Bech

Additions:

Niels Pedersen, Ray Brown--Jazz bassists

Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, Art Tatum, Hiromi--Jazz pianists

Joe Pass, Barney Kessel--Jazz guitarists

Harry James, Rafael Mendez, Al Hirt--Trumpet

Pete Fountain--Clarinet

James Galway--Flute

Lional Hampton--Vibraphone

Franz Chmel--Classical Harmonicist

Carmen Cavallaro--pop standards pianist

All on YouTube.

Bech