Dvorak

This disc is a direct competitor to Schumann, Dvorak: Piano Concertos - Paolo Giacometti and in even in terms of artists employed they are comparable: both have young and up-coming pianists accompanied by less familiar orchestral/conductor partnerships. In the end, this release is more succesfully artistically, honours split with regard to sonics. Whilst there is little competition for the Dvorak (although what exists is heavyweight), the same cannot be said of the Schumann concerto (even on SACD) and Helmchen has many illustrious names to compete against.

One of the most prominent Hungarian conductors of his generation, Ivan Fischer has established a reputation in both Hungarian and Baroque music. His interpretations of works by Liszt, Bartók, and Kodály have achieved international acclaim, and his readings of Hungarian-inspired works, like the Brahms Hungarian Dances (in Fischer's own orchestration), have also received high praise.