I find the idea of a definitive recording as not good.
The music is always capable of a better performance/recording than anything before ...
Even composer led renditions are not the last word.
However, and so far, there is no rendition of Purcell's "Dido" that comes close to the emotional expressive world that Kirsten Flagstad distilled in her performances, albeit in far from modern sounds as recorded.
These performances, given for Bernard Miles at his little theatre in London just after WW II present music making that defies its era, its technical recording short-comings and a more or less complete absence of HIPP.
No mannerisms, just pure singing, with wonderful inflections. The darkness of the emotion is actually life affirming in its honesty.
HMV/EMI made a great Abbey Road recording afterwards with members of the Philharmonia playing so subtly, but the live performance/recording [not available in whole] must have been a revelation for those present.
Just a couple of pence' worth from George
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MQA08DN/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21