It’s a tale of two eras, the history of the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s first 50 years. There’s BT and AT – before and after Tognetti. 

Since taking over the artistic reins of the ACO in 1990, Richard Tognetti has lost none of his youthful energy and rebelliousness. If his aim were to shock the bourgeoisie, it is perhaps his only objective to fail. More likely because of his intrepid programming, the ACO has become immensely popular, garnering a dedicated national and international following. Even with rising ticket prices, an ACO subscription remains something of a status symbol amongst music lovers.

Concertgoers have now become accustomed to Tognetti’s unique onstage presence: the sheer physicality of his playing, his hyperalert reaction to the music being created, not to mention his conducting with the bow thing (arguably superfluous most of the time given the high calibre of his colleagues). Tognetti’s sheer force of artistic will has thankfully galvanised the ACO into one of the world’s most forward thinking and dynamic chamber orchestras. 

This recording of these classic concertos, with which Tognetti has delighted many audiences over the years, provides...