[In the Concerto] Shani emphasises the music’s lyrical impulse and exultant quality rather than eliciting a heroic overview…in a work that can easily become an adrenaline-pumping exercise in musical exhilaration [the Symphony], Shani retains the joy without over-forcing the music’s physical impact…The Rotterdam Philharmonic possesses an appealing inner glow and warmth that radiates a strong sense of collegiate endeavour.

Of the two performances, it’s that of the piano concerto that is the more compelling. It’s a musically vivid realisation, spirited and brilliant in attack, that manages to realise much of the music’s visionary aspect while keeping at bay all hint of expressive excess...To judge from Shani’s account of the Seventh Symphony, he can draw long stretches of quality playing from what is a good albeit not entirely front-rank orchestra.