• Rachmaninoff "Vocalise"
• Rachmaninoff "Piano Concerto No. 2" with William Woflram
• Shostakovich "Symphony No. 5"

William Wolfram's piano playing was almost too perfect. This may have been because the Steinway grand couldn't deliver the bottom resonances in the hall. Perhaps it was because the orchestra had precious little time to rehearse with him and therefore required a metronomic approach to ensure locking parts. Or, perhaps it was the way Mr. Wolfram plays. I'd guess that it was the lack of rehearsal more than anything. Certainly my wife, a pianist, and I were impressed with his virtuosity. And the music - the MUSIC is so deeply moving and romantic. Together, Mr. Wolfram and the OPO reproduced the music greatly and produced a very very enjoyable experience. The orchestra is performing so well under Maestro Wilkins. 

The Shostakovich continued this impression. The fifth seems ruled by unisons and giant octaves thrown in great arcs, bumping in 2nds and 7ths against pedal tones; all unified by a short simple rhythmic motive. Great example of the power of simplicity in a 20th Century voice.