From the dramatic opening gesture of Nikolai Medtner’s First Piano Concerto, Australian pianist Jayson Gillham asserts himself with a powerful sound, channeling the strength and drama of a work that shares its years of composition with those of the First World War. For Gillham’s latest disc on ABC Classics he sets this lesser-known beast of a concerto against one of the warhorses of the piano repertoire, Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto.

A younger colleague of fellow pianist-composer Rachmaninov, Medtner only ever wrote for orchestra in his three piano concertos and it is perhaps this – along with a disinclination to tour, promote himself and conduct – that has meant his works haven’t enjoyed the same limelight as those of his more famous friend.

Gillham, who was introduced the Medtner’s works through his involvement in a documentary on the life of Australian pianist and Medtner champion Geoffrey Tozer (whose fine recording of this concerto with Neeme Järvi and the London Philharmonic is on Chandos), attacks the work with a singing tone and bright precision. Joined by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Benjamin Northey, Gillham rides Medtner’s surging power with clarity and attention to detail.

A highlight of the first section (the...