In their mad dash to record the famous knuckle-busters by the likes of
Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and Grieg, many virtuoso pianists (and their producers) forget that there are numerous other great concertos that deserve attention, and that would be wonderful for audiences to hear, but go begging for not being the biggest commercial draws. The five piano concertos by
Camille Saint-Saëns are sadly neglected but perfectly brilliant Romantic masterpieces that warrant many more performances and recordings; why they have been excluded from the standard repertoire is a mystery that defies rational explanation. But pianist
Anna Malikova has the independence, technique, and spirit to present these works with all the energy and fire normally expended on the warhorses, but also with intelligence, subtlety, and beautiful expression. The first of two volumes on Audite, this disc covers the Piano Concertos No. 1 in D major, No. 2 in G minor, and No. 4 in C minor, and these sparkling works are tastefully performed by
Malikova and the splendid WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln, conducted by
Thomas Sanderling. The ensemble's nuanced playing is extraordinarily deep and vivid in the surround-sound reproduction, and
Malikova is clearly separated from the orchestra without artificial boosting. Kudos to all involved for this exceptional achievement.