Not so long ago, Nielsen’s piano music was comparatively rarely found on disc, aside from isolated issues of selections such as those Andsnes set down for Virgin Classics. Christina Bjørkøe’s new survey is the fourth now generally available (the one not listed above is by Anne Øland – one of Bjørkøe’s former teachers – for Classico) and, like Martin Roscoe on his fine Hyperion set last year, uses David Fanning’s 2006 critical edition. Roscoe’s is the principal rival for this set since Mina Miller’s used her own critical edition and, fine albeit idiosyncratic as some of her playing was, is disadvantaged comparatively a little in sound quality.

The first thing that struck me about Bjørkøe’s timings was their breadth. Taken overall, she takes 17' more to dispatch the 11 works than did Roscoe and 13' more than did Miller. Throughout, Bjørkøe impresses with her beautifully phrased and idiomatic interpretations and I warmed to her way with the music right from the start of the early Op 3 set. Where necessary she plays with real power, as in the celebrated Chaconne and especially the Luciferish Suite, Op 45, in the Allegro non troppo ma vigoroso finale of which she generates far more menace than did Roscoe (incidentally, taken swifter than Miller and only a little behind Andsnes). She also provides the most satisfying performance of the Symphonic Suite I have heard in many years.

Satisfying, indeed, is the watchword for her intelligently and well thought-through interpretations. Yes, here and there this or that rival might have the edge in technique (not that Bjørkøe’s is inadequate in any way) – and to be sure Andsnes remains first choice for the works in his particular selection – but with a complete survey one looks also for a unified and consistent approach. Bjørkøe communicates this with greater conviction than either Miller or the occasionally reticent Roscoe and, unlike the latter, presents the works in order of composition. Bjørkøe is also well served by CPO’s fine recording. Overall then, Roscoe’s remains the best in terms of sound, but for interpretation of the music as a whole, I incline towards this newcomer.