With a well-tried coupling it’s good to have a few surprises in the supporting works. Performances, as might be expected, are at the highest level. From the Juilliard, sturdy and full-toned playing has the edge in spaciousness and overt emotion, and in a springy dance character for the Ravel Scherzo and finale... Henri Dutilleux’s music is more elusive, but as fascinating and sensuous as ever. Beautifully composed and colourfully scored – the range of imagination overlaps orchestral and electronic music – its fleeting perceptions enchant the ear and awaken appetites that the substance gratifies.
