Rachmaninov

Piano Concerto No. 2; Symphonic Dances

Dong Hyek Lim, Martha Argerich (piano); BBC Symphony Orchestra/ Alexander Vedernikov

Warner Classics 9029545551 67:29 mins It’s unusual to see Martha Argerich’s name in smaller letters on a CD cover than that of the other performer, in this case Dong Hyek Lim, the Korean pianist who is one of Argerich’s protégés. But the Piano Concerto is what often referred to as ‘Rach 2’, and Argerich has never performed this piece in public or on disc – the greatest pianists seem to like playing Rach 2 (Richter) or Rach 3 (Horowitz) but not both. Lim gives a broad, sometimes treacly account of the work, accompanied by perfect support from the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Alexander Vedernikov. Lim arpeggiates the opening chords, a sign that this is going to be a determinedly idiosyncratic performance, as indeed it turns out to be. Caressing languor alternates with ferocious pyrotechnics, an account of sharp contrasts rather than development. Good for jaded palates.

I enjoyed the Symphonic Dances in the composer’s two piano arrangement far more. As soon as Argerich alights on something, it flames into vivid life, and this is a perfect example of her intensity and naturalness, caught by Lim, so that it makes this an equal to her other two collaborations of this inspired work. In this version one misses the alto sax, and the jazzy feel of parts of the dances, but the end of the second movement takes you to the world of Ravel’s La valse, and there are even Stravinskian moments. In such an account I feel this is Rachmaninov’s finest work. Michael Tanner PERFORMANCE ★★★★ RECORDING ★★★★★