London Philharmonic Orchestra: 2009 - The Everest of piano concertos

‘Rachmaninoff just doesn’t get any better than this’, wrote The Guardian of Nikolai Lugansky, and when it comes to the monumental Piano Concerto No 3, it’s hard to imagine a living pianist who’s more in tune with its profoundly Russian soul. This ‘Everest of piano concertos’ dates from 1909; alongside it Vladimir Jurowski has placed a 21st century British classic from 2009 and a real rediscovery from 1809: the fiery, thrillingly dramatic First Symphony by Etienne Méhul. Forged in the turmoil of the French Revolution, Méhul’s music had a profound impact on the young Beethoven, and when you hear it we think you’ll realise why.