WHICH artist has won the most Grammy Awards in history? Michael Jackson? Bruce Springsteen? Give up?

The conductor Georg Solti, who died in 1997, holds the record, at 31. That he so completely dominated the field suggests why for many years the Grammy Awards in the classical music categories were never taken seriously. Solti was a giant among conductors. But 31 Grammys? What was that about?

In recent years, the Grammy folks have paid more attention to the 13 classical music categories and recruited distinguished judges, who have recognized important and challenging recordings. This year, for example, there are five nominees for best instrumental soloist (without orchestra), all pianists: Murray Perahia, for his brilliant recording of the Chopin Études; Leif Ove Andsnes, for his vibrant accounts of Grieg's ''Lyric Pieces,'' recorded on the composer's piano at the Edvard Grieg Museum in Troldhaugen, Norway; Earl Wild, for his exploration of offbeat repertory by Reynaldo Hahn; Marc-André Hamelin, for ''Kaleidoscope,'' an interesting program of early-20th-century works; and David Holzman, for his fearless performances of steely works by Stefan Wolpe.

I'll be impressed if Mr. Holzman wins. My choice would be Mr. Andsnes, but I would put my money on Mr. Perahia, a past winner. These awards still tend to go to the biggest names. (The classical awards are generally given out in pre-telecast ceremonies.)