Bartók
Concerto for Orchestra, Dance Suite, Rhapsodies
James Ehnes v, Bergen Philharmonic/Gardner
Chandos CHSA5189 (SACD)

Four years ago Edward Gardner’s recording of Bartók’s Miraculous Mandarin Suite (and more) with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was released on Chandos to great acclaim – Limelight called it “incandescent”. While the orchestra is different – here Gardner records with the Bergen Philharmonic, where he is principal conductor – the same vibrant flare that made that disc compelling is evident in this recording of the Hungarian composer’s Concerto for Orchestra, Rhapsodies and Dance Suite.

Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra is a showcase...