CONTINUING the Schubert Symphony and Beethoven Piano Concerto cycles by the ESO, with conductor William Boughton and leader Janet Masters, we heard Schubert's Symphony No. 3 in D major.

Following the first broad chord, the orchestra, in sparkling form, soon moved on to the vigorous 'Allegro con brio', with its dominating bass provided by the brass and lower strings, the woodwind offering short melodic interludes. The very quick 'Menuetto', with its descending scale figures, had a landler quality, and the fourth movement 'Presto vivace', with scintillating violins, was excitingly accented; the final acceleration and crescendo gave a rousing finish.

The soloist in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor Op. 37 was Simon Mulligan. His bold initial statement after the long orchestral preamble, heralded a performance of dramatic flexibility.

The first movement cadenza was both powerfully and sensitively played, with a wonderful variety and graduation of tone. Mulligan's fervent introduction to the 'Largo', to be developed further by the whole orchestra - with magnificent tone from the lower strings and French horns transported through Beethoven's ingenious harmonic progressions. The young pianist showed an especially mature understanding of this movement. The rollicking concluding 'Rondo-Allegro', with much dialogue between the pianist and orchestra, showed all the musicians to be in excellent communication.

Mozart's Serenade in G: Eine kleine Nachtmusik and Haydn's Symphony No. 101: The Clock completed the programme.

JILL HOPKINS