Lutoslawski’s Concerto for Orchestra (1954) has become a classic, with several fine recordings available. This new entry to the catalogue shines out with its precision, vigour and clarity of sound. The Intrada, taken briskly here, instantly grabs your attention. Glistening woodwind flurries and string skitters and cascades are deftly executed in the second-movement scherzo (Capriccio notturno ed Arioso: Vivace). These feel like preludes to the big final movement with its mysterious passacaglia and brilliant climax. Schoenberg’s orchestrations of Brahms always merit revisiting, not least because the odd alliance of these two contrasting composers is always so unexpected. A seriously interesting and worthwhile disc.
