When it comes to pulling power, The Planets programmed with Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody On A Theme of Paganini is a surefire way to pack in the public. Less certain is what an orchestra will do with such populist classics to present them as familiar and distinctive enough to be unfamiliar at the same time. For the most part, the London Philharmonic Orchestra with Principal Conductor Edward Gardner made it work. Keeping things taut and tense, ‘Mars, The Bringer Of War’ was a brooding, fermenting brew, with the peacefulness of ‘Venus’ providing respite in its seductive momentum.

While the big ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ tune in the middle of ‘Jupiter’ subdues the general brilliance of Holst’s scoring, the dying away sounds of Neptune’s wordless chorus of female voices is an unparalleled moment, albeit one that didn’t fully succeed with the intentionally unseen National Youth Choir Of Scotland too far away behind balcony doors rather than being closer to the orchestra on stage. Featuring pianist Beatrice Rana as soloist, the Rachmaninov was light and airy, with a sort of translucent delicacy flowing through all of the 24 variations.

Holst’s The Planets reviewed at Usher Hall; main picture: Jess Shurte.