Tchaikovsky has long maintained his position as among the most popular of all composers, his unequalled gift for melody and colourful orchestration given added depth through a rich Russian soulfulness. The Second Piano Concerto has always lived under the shadow of the famous First but, played here in the composer›s original version, is full of life–enhancing character and emotion. Both this and the Concert Fantasiaalso contain beautiful chamber–music sections allowing unique interaction between soloist and orchestra.