Finghin Collins (piano), RTÉ NSO/Kenneth Montgomery Claves 50-1101***

This is not the first recording of either Stanford’s Second Piano Concerto or his Concert Variations upon an English theme Down among the Dead Men, to give the work its full title. The Dublin-born composer (1852-1924) is one of those musicians it’s much easier to admire than to enthuse about. His musical skill and adroitness were enviable but, for want of a better word, his inspiration was weak. His Second Piano Concerto of 1911 is a response to Rachmaninov’s Second (which Stanford had conducted with Rachmaninov himself as soloist). Though it captures the desired brooding melancholy, it does so without sufficient strength of individual character. And the set of variations on an 18th-century drinking song is equally well turned. Perhaps the fervent advocacy of these new performances will help with new friends for both pieces. See claves.ch