Marc-André Hamelin presents a vivid picture of Rachmaninov’s Third, where he is greatly helped by an energised LPO under their Music Director, Vladimir Jurowski.
Here the music rattles along under the fingers of a man who completely understands Rachmaninov’s idiom. The recording is well balanced, and the coupling intelligent; the Second Concerto of Rachmaninov’s lifelong friend Nikolai Medtner.
Sadly, Medtner lacked Rachmaninov’s melodic inspiration, but this underrated concerto still repays attention.
The piano and orchestra are well integrated in Hyperion’s typically excellent recording. The duration, 82 minutes, is exceptionally generous.