I have never heard this concerto sound so interesting and surprising. It is, of course, known as Beethoven’s most introspective. Here it fascinates anew for the sheer sounds it makes and for unexpected contrasts to be found within it. Heras-Casado is a perfect collaborator, eliciting growling thrust from his strings and fruity sonorities from the Freiburg winds.

Repeated listening has convinced me this is one of the finest, most deeply perceptive and thrilling performances of Beethoven’s Fourth Concerto on record. But make no mistake, Bezuidenhout’s triumph could only be achieved by the hand-in-glove support and interplay provided by Heras-Casado and the Freiburgers… If you love Beethoven, delight in the sound of precise and imaginative ensemble and revel in brilliant piano-playing, whatever you do, do not miss this.