These recordings are all of live performances given during Martha Argerich’s Lugano Festival between 2010 and 2013. The Pianos Trio is a remarkable group; from the start of the first track (Shostakovich), we’re captivated by the players’ lively touch, buoyant rhythms, wonderful precision and command of the different textural possibilities offered by three pianos. The arrangements, by Carlo Maria Griguoli, are done with much expertise and imagination, and the one original piece uses the ensemble’s possibilities in a most striking way.

Vaalbara, the name given to the first, gigantic continent to appear on earth, is an extremely graphic piece. Enormous volcanic rumblings alternate with flying eruptions of sparks and flames, and the music has an aura of unapproachable remoteness. The trio projects all these aspects with vivid conviction.

The more light-hearted items by Offenbach and Shostakovich both work well, especially the Shostakovich, whose wit is brought out by the performance’s impeccable timing. La mer, however, seems to me a step too far – only the second movement retains something of the atmosphere of the orchestral original. The mystery of the work’s opening, as dawn breaks over the sea, is quite lost without the instrumental colouring and the ubiquitous tremolo (necessary to prolong pitches as well as in imitation of the strings) becomes wearisome. The Firebird is another matter; full of variety and pianistic colour, incisive rhythms, brilliant arabesques and haunting melodies, all finely presented by this talented group.