Two – very different – concerts‚ the first a 1987 Barbican gala‚ well received at the time‚ with Solti and the LSO in fine form. His Beethoven may not be to every taste‚ but there is no denying the sombre grandeur of his Coriolan‚ or the freshness and energy of the Piano Concerto‚ benefiting from Perahia’s fluency and elegance‚ occasionally a touch too relaxed but enlivening the Rondo. Most impressive of all is the Seventh‚ a much more interesting performance than Solti’s Chicago recording (Decca‚ 4/92)‚ especially in the second movement‚ now more expansive and balanced‚ and the finale‚ where his rhythmic relish is evident but the energy is less demonic. Solti is good value visually‚ too‚ and though the sound is not quite the best‚ it will serve. ‘Rhythm and Dance’ is one of the Berlin Philharmonic’s popular Waldbühne open­air concerts‚ a wildly eclectic programme reflecting conductor Nagano’s Japanese­American background. Chinese and Japanese pieces‚ ranging from insistent wadaiko drumming to a theme from the film Farewell My Concubine‚ sit a little uneasily with the Ravel‚ but the contrast is refreshing – as is the Gershwin song finale‚ with that splendid singer Susan Graham enjoying herself‚ even if she relies more on the score than the style demands. Only the Bientus Gershwin ‘tribute’ seems rather thin. A good‚ if not very sub­stantial‚ time is had by all.