Composed in 1951 during a period of almost frenzied activity, the Concerto for Piano Duet and Strings is one of Malcolm Arnold’s finest concertos, full of technical display, melody, contrast and colour. The Concerto for Two Pianos (Three Hands) and Orchestra was written for the legendary three-handed husband and wife team of Phyllis Sellick and Cyril Smith. Unashamedly popular in style, the Concerto contrasts dark tragedy with meltingly romantic melodies, and closes with a brilliantly witty and uplifting rumba.