Dariescu has plenty of power and agility, but she deplys them strictly for the sake of the music rather than for her own glory. Above all she knows how to shape lines by means of tactical withdrawal of lighter elements in a phrase…richly satisfying.

Ang and Dariescu’s approach to the concerto’s famous opening points to an urgent and incisive reading. And that’s how it continues. I was particularly impressed by the pianist’s firm control of the notes and the conductor’s diligent, entirely supportive accompaniment … If there’s one word that sums up this album for me it’s modesty; indeed, the concerto succeeds precisely because it doesn’t attempt to storm that daunting summit.