Denis Matsuev is dazzling wherever digital dexterity is required, which is everywhere, and it's incredibly refreshing to hear a performance of the work at tempos under nine minutes for two out of the three movements—closer to the composer's own version. Gergiev and Matsuev beautifully capture the brittle wit of the first movement's second subject, with its dry castanets, and in the second movement the allegro giusto fifth variation is among the best you'll hear.

Classics Today