Pluses and minuses of the evening

Having recently completed a well received cycle of Rachmaninov symphonies and operas for Chandos, Gianandrea Noseda and his BBC forces presented this collection of rare and familiar choral works before a packed audience for this Promenade concert. As well as having a seasoned track record with Rachmaninov, Noseda has considerable experience in Russian music as guest conductor at the Mariinsky theatre and the addition of that theatre's chorus in repertoire that benefits from Russian voices was an attractive bonus.Indeed the playing and conducting throughout were of a high order; Noseda demonstrating his way with Rachmaninov with beautifully shaped and phrased readings. He was rewarded with playing of great refinement and skill from the BBC Philharmonic, but in the vast expanses of the Royal Albert Hall, not all of the performances were an…