Search - Shostakovich, Britten, Enesco :: Concerto for Piano Trumpet & Strings / Piano Cto

Not the usual coupling of the two Shostakovich concertos, but don't let that put you off. This combination of the early, relatively neglected Britten Piano Concerto (in its revised version) with the popular Shostakovich shows just how bewitched Britten was by the older man. And Andsnes's approach in both works (recorded live, though thankfully largely free from audience participation) emphasizes not so much the obvious drama as the sheer seductiveness of the pieces. This is most effective in the Britten, where the soloist's playing is consistently smooth and sophisticated as he shrugs off with aplomb the difficulties, and occasional sheer bloody-mindedness, of the solo part. In the Shostakovich, more sheer vulgarity might not have gone amiss, though the last movement sparkles, with Hardenberger easily matching the pianist in skin-scorching virtuosity. The filler (the only studio recording here) is also unusual, bringing pianist and trumpeter together in perfect accord. The sound is good throughout. --Harriet Smith, Amazon.co.uk