Yes, I listened to it as well. Agreed about the 2nd symphony, IGI (probably my favourite). But I found the 2nd concerto very pedestrian indeed. Ploddy tempi, under-rehearsed orchestral playing and a distinct lack of charisma from the soloist. But perhaps I'm spoiled by having been first acquainted with this work through the recording of John Lill's Tchaikovsky competition-winning performance back in the 70s. I don't think it gets better than that. But I find both concertos pretty stodgy and long-winded in general I'm afraid...

I think that by now it's almost a truism that the BBCSO are constitutionally under-rehearsed! Having said that, they often perform small miracles, such is their sight-reading prowess and hardcore professionalism. But I'm afraid that they are chronically overworked, especially during the Proms, and it often shows rather embarrissingly. I know several players in the orchestra who weep tears of frustration over this - they are a fine band, but are never allowed to shine as they could. The new music portfolio they tackle is in itself daunting enough; but when they have a rare-ish opportunity to show what they can do with standard rep, like tonight, they still don't get enough time to prepare. It's a Catch 22 orchestra.

Yes, I was disappointed too. There was a notable lack of contact between soloist and anyone else, whether that be conductor, orchestra or cello solo (the disadvantage of putting the cello's in the middle of the orchestra is that the piano lid hides the lead cellist from view). This was particularly noticeable in the third movement, where there was a good half second between LV's chord and that of the orchestra.