Luxury of sound awaits

Leif Ove Andsnes plays the first two Rachmaninov piano concertos on his latest EMI recording in the illustrious company of the Berlin Philharmonic and Antonio Pappano.

But perhaps this disc is a luxury you may not want if you have already invested in Stephen Hough's Hyperion set of the composer's concertos, with the Paganini Variations for good measure.

While Hough is old-school flamboyance, aided and abetted by the Dallas Symphony strings scooping around in portamento heaven, Andsnes is a cooler customer. Listen to the two step into the arena for the Second Concerto - with Hough, diabolic intent is brewing from the first few notes; with Andsnes, subdued, pondered chords barely hint at the surging textures.

The orchestra stands aside for the first of Andsnes's many lush solos; when they do join in, the strengths of the recording become apparent.

The chemistry of soloist and orchestra illuminates this live performance. Andsnes almost flirts with the woodwind in the Adagio sostenuto while, in the Finale, all the musicians join forces to unfurl as many colours as possible.

The First Concerto is also a joy, especially if you are immune to its more popular companion. Here, the pianist's clarity and zesty virtuosity come through, bowing out with a whiplashing of a Finale.

If you want some fare you will never hear in your local concert hall, the third instalment of Peter Donohoe's British Piano Concertos is heaven-sent. Written between 1938 and 1961, these four concertos range from charm school Alec Rowley to Stravinskian Christian Darnton.

Howard Ferguson's Concerto, a solid and serious work, has a streak of Celtic melancholy, even in a finale marked "gioviale"; Roberto Gerhard's three Spanish evocations wield a sombre palette with the intensity of a musical Goya.

Recordings are topnotch, Donohoe delivers powerhouse pianism but can still imbue an Andante naif with just the right winsomeness and the strings of the Northern Sinfonia are valiant sparring partners. Gorgeous.

* Rachmaninov, Piano Concertos 1 and 2 (EMI 74813)

* Ferguson, Gerhard, Piano Concertos (Naxos 8.557290)