Saint-Saëns' Piano Concertos are brilliantly crafted romantic showpieces, and his second and fifth stand among his finest works. Pianist Louis Schwizgebel and the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Fabien Gabel and Martyn Brabbins deliver energetic, sympathetic performances on this 2015 Aparté recording. Concerto No. 2 sparkles with virtuosic display and lyrical beauty, while the Egyptian-inspired No. 5 offers exotic color and romantic grandeur. Schwizgebel's technique is immaculate but never showy—he plays with musicality and sensitivity, drawing out the beauty of Saint-Saëns' melodies. The BBC SO provides polished, refined accompaniment throughout. This is stylish romantic piano music performed by artists who understand the idiom completely. Perfect for those discovering Saint-Saëns' piano works.