Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
The popular and joyous Piano Concerto No.2 demonstrates that Shostakovich didn't excel only when writing darkly and bitterly serious music. Once again directing from the piano the assured Litton obtained glowing keyboard colour in abundance. The spiky martial rhythms of the buoyant opening Allegro contrasted starkly with the captivating romanticism and ravishing melodies of the sublime Andante. Litton's punchy playing with heaps of momentum brought the Finale to a thrilling close. Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2
— Michael Cookson, musicweb-international.com
The closing piece was Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, in its 1945 revision. This is a piece which never fails to fascinate, mainly on account of its incredibly inventive orchestration - witness the numerous curtain calls Litton gave to RLPO players and deservedly so. From the delicate, mysterious opening, through the intense, fortissimo drama of the Infernal Dance to the slinky lullaby - and not forgetting the spirited finale, Litton led a fine performance of this ballet score. Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Stravinsky: Firebird Suite
— Glyn Mon Hughes, Liverpool Daily Post