Played by the redoubtable Anthony Pike ( anthony-pike.co.uk ) who felt at the time that this was one of the hardest concertos he'd ever tackled. His performance is nigh on perfect and his interpretation gets right to the heart of the piece often to dazzling effect. As to the music, well it might not appeal to everybody as the language has a gritty, gnarly edge to it.

The 1st mvt is somewhat quirky in form and even a little polystylistic with a slight jazzy feel - especially towards the end. The 2nd mvt is still and reflective. A new, slightly quicker section uses a not too strict serialism primarily in the walking bass. A recap of the opening of the mvt eventually leads to a tricky cadenza that in turn rushes headlong into the final mvt. The 3rd mvt is still gnarly and gritty with some additional aggressiveness thrown in for good measure, although the second subject lightens the mood somewhat. A brief, wild atonal climax leads to a driving coda to finish the work. If you can, please listen on headphones to get the best sonic effect.

1st mvt - 15” 2nd mvt - 10:19
3rd mvt - 22:25