Concerto nominations

Bartók Violin Concertos Nos 1 and 2 Christian Tetzlaff (violin); Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra/hannu Lintu Ondine ODE13172 Reviewed August 2018

Violinist Christian Tetzlaff gleams in this impressive recording of Bartók’s pair of violin concertos; the expressive Second Concerto is recorded here with the orchestral ending originally envisaged by the composer. Hannu Lintu and the Finnish Radio Symphony deliver top-drawer playing, and Tetzlaff is lyrical and virtuosic.

Rachmaninov Piano Concertos Nos 2 and 4; excerpts from JS Bach’s Partita in E for solo violin, arr. Rachmaninov

Daniil Trifonov (piano); Philadelphia Orchestra/yannick Nézet-séguin Deutsche Grammophon 483 5335 Reviewed Christmas 2018

The cover artwork may baffle, but the music within is universally enchanting. The partita acts as a sorbet between delicious concertos; Trifonov seals his reputation as a fine Rachmaninovian – and the Philadelphia Orchestra is first class, too.

Crusell Clarinet Concertos, Op. 1 and Op. 11, Grand Concerto, Op. 5, Introduction et air suédois, Op. 12 Michael Collins (clarinet/conductor); Swedish Chamber Orchestra Chandos CHSA 5187 (hybrid CD/SACD) Reviewed July 2018

These 19th-century Finnish compositions may be new to you, but they’re famous among clarinettists for their sheer celebration of trickery (Op. 12) and expressive potential (Op. 5). The superbly musical Michael Collins runs rings around their challenges with the nimble aplomb of a circus pony.