Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3 – Sibelius: Symphony No. 2

Chineke!, Europe’s first black and ethnic minority orchestra, demonstrates why it’s one of the UK’s great ensembles with this bold, live recording. Pianist Gerard Aimontche displays a poetic nuance refreshingly free of Romantic sentiment in Rachmaninoff’s notoriously difficult Third Piano Concerto. And the furious first movement cadenza, while passionate and fiery, possesses a rare clarity and crispness. It’s in Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 that Chineke! really shine, with an intense, raw second movement Andante and a final Allegro that sweeps impressively to its triumphant conclusion. The orchestra's players are responsive and alert to Roderick Cox’s dynamic, driving direction.