A great asset of this new version of Rachmaninov’s famous Third Concerto is its almost chamber-like aspect, exhibited by the soloist and the conductor, both of whom are international stars. It’s nice not to have too much Steinway for once, as is often the case in most recordings, both old and new. The balance between piano and orchestra is more natural; the soloist fits into Rachmaninov’s intense orchestral flow, conducted here very subtly by Valery Gergiev.
Born in Tashkent in 1990, the Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov combines power and fluidity through a mind-blowing technique that plays with all the traps and snares of music written by one of the greatest virtuosos of his time. At this level of pianistic genius, he dares to take on every challenge: from intangible nuances to the most adventurous virtuosity. The Amsterdam Concertgebouw responds to his playing with their usual grace, and every intervention by the orchestra’s soloists is a pure delight. An utterly beautiful record - despite its rather short length. © François Hudry/Qobuz