Concertante orchestral works for more than one keyboard instrument saw a revival after the First World War with the neo-Baroque trends of the time helping to revitalise the neglected concerto grosso genre. Recorded here in a new version with three pianos, Martin’s Petite symphonie concertante reflects the dark tensions of the Second World War, while Poulenc’s delightful Concerto for Two Pianos is infused with the spirit of Mozart in its rich and eclectic stylistic tapestry. Shostakovich’s Concertino, in a new orchestral version, shifts between superficial Soviet entertainment and heartfelt expressiveness, and the songs quoted in Aryeh Levanon’s Land of Four Languages symbolise a hope for peace and harmony in Israel.

This is a celebration of multi-keyboard 20th-century piano concertos, most of which are rarely heard in concert due in part to their unusual technical demands. Co-founder of MultiPiano, Tomer Lev, has tackled some of these problems head-on, for instance transcribing Frank Martin’s magnificent Symphonie concertante from its problematic original with harp and harpsichord solos into a version with three pianos approved by the Martin estate. The unusual instrumental spectrum of 2 pianos and orchestra, 3 pianos and orchestra, and 2 pianos 8 hands with orchestra is an attraction in its own right.