Alexei Sultanov’s uninspired account of Tchaikovsky’s B-flat minor concerto won’t reward repeated listening. Only Maxim Shostakovich’s urgent leadership keeps the opening movement out of trouble, especially in the lengthy development where Sultanov’s playing loses its rhythmic grip. The pianist takes too long over the gear-change into the lyrical second group but plays the cadenza capably, though it sounds as if it’s been recorded on another occasion as the background ambience changes noticeably. The Andantino projects a pleasing balance between the reflective outer sections (with attractive solos from flute and cello) and the capricious middle section (highlighted by Sultanov’s light-fingered vivacity). The finale goes well until Shostakovich goes into orchestral overkill mode with crude theatrics in the coda.
The second Rachmaninov concerto receives a very routine performance, but Sultanov gives the first movement some degree of gravitas and manages occasional moments of pathos in the Adagio. For sensational bravura and maximal excitement, Gary Graffman’s 1964 coupling (with Bernstein on Sony) is a good bet despite the occasional edginess of the transfer and sometimes brittle piano sound. For digitally recorded readings in the grand virtuoso tradition, investigate Bolet and Dutoit on Decca, whose performances still sound interesting after many hearings.
