If you ever have the misfortune of listening to Classic FM for more than a few hours, you will soon get to know Sergei Rachmaninoff. Whilst his Symphony No. 2 is not quite as popular as his 2nd Piano Concerto, which is certain to come up at least once an hour, it is one part of the classical canon that everyone knows. For concert organizers, this isn’t a bad thing: putting popular Sergei on the programme gives you the opportunity to play more esoteric items later.

The evening began with a world premiere of Bax’s Symphonic Serenade. To begin with, I was impressed that a composer who has been dead for nearly 60 years could still be writing. However, according to the informative programme notes, the piece was re-discovered and completed recently by Bax’s biographer. This proves that some pieces should remain firmly undiscovered. We were treated to a poor pastiche of Elgarian themes, bound together with only the thinnest thread. A series of disconnected tunes built up to an underwhelming conclusion that made the audience look to their watches. The wonderful CUMS 1 laboured with Martin Yates to make something out of nothing, but could never quite make it sound interesting.

The concert picked up when Stanley-Smith proved why he is such a promising cellist. Delivering a performance of Walton’s Cello Concerto with pace, energy and a superb technique, it was clear that he was determined to bring out the best of a piece that can drag when played poorly. The interaction between soloist and orchestra was superb and the audience rightly appreciated it.

And then there was Rachmaninoff. With such a popular work, everyone has a clear idea of exactly how it should be performed. Martin Yates coaxed a passionate and powerful performance from the orchestra, and delivered a symphony that moved with purpose towards a thrilling conclusion. Not everyone will have enjoyed it, but I would have preferred it no other way.

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