Performer: Alisa Weilerstein

Alisa Weilerstein delivered an amazingly raw performance of Shostakovich’s Second Cello Concerto, whereas Ilan Volkov and the CBSO’s renditions of Simon Holt and Brahms (reimagined by Schoenberg) proved alienating and overblown.

A rousing Dvořák Symphony no. 8 and that composer’s The Water Sprite filled out a highly satisfying performance.

Tomáš Netopil directs ideal, ‘non-dairy’ performances of Mozart and Dvořák.

The unmistakable approach of the American cellist lent itself easily to both Stravinsky and a recent work by Steven Mackey. It also twisted Brahms a little beyond recognition.

An inspired piece of programming illustrates the continuities in angst-filled works from the Baroque, Romantic and contemporary eras.