Perhaps my expectations were too high but I have to say that I expected greater things from Peter Hill and Benjamin Frith in this particular repertoire – both have achieved exceptional notices for previous recordings: Hill for his Messiaen series on Unicorn-Kanchana and Frith, for amongst others, an exceedingly fine set of Diabelli Variations on ASV (2/96). However, the prospect of Vladimir Ashkenazy and Andrei Gavrilov’s scintillating Decca recording of these works even remotely being challenged was perhaps asking too much to start with.
What we have here are essentially very fine, serviceable performances, technically accomplished but perhaps just lacking that vital spark of excitement that can make these works (especially The Rite) really leap off the page. To be fair, they are not helped by the recording which is wholly lacking in atmosphere and ambience, resulting in a piano sound which is lifeless and congested. Nevertheless, it is difficult to suggest that the slightly lacklustre reading of the intricate, contrapuntal Sonata stems from anywhere other than the performers. The same is true of the Concerto, where, next to Ashkenazy and Gavrilov the opening bars sound just a fraction insipid by comparison. Likewise, although The Rite of Spring is technically very accomplished – in many respects perhaps the finest performance on the disc – and a worthy addition to the catalogue, it doesn’t really match the rhythmic incisiveness and sheer electricity of Ashkenazy’s and Gavrilov’s account.
If it were not for the exceptionally strong competition and the less than atmospheric recording then I might find myself being more positive about this disc, but as it stands my unhesitating recommendation in this repertoire must be the Ashkenazy/ Gavrilov disc. If price is a real issue, though, then this recording is worth considering.'