Does the world need another recording of the Grieg piano concerto? Possibly not, but this pairing with the Saint-Saëns second concerto in G minor, Op 22 makes an attractive package from the young Ukrainian pianist Vadym Kholodenko, who plays with intelligent virtuosity and youthful fire. The first movement of the Saint-Saëns jumps off the page, while his deliciously delicate handling of the central allegro scherzando is irresistible. The Norwegian Radio Orchestra players manage to find some originality in their interpretation of the Grieg and conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya keeps things rewardingly broad and expansive.
