In a live BBC Radio 3 broadcast promulgating the colourful romance of Dvorak and the stimulating natural world of Sibelius, Kirill Karabits conjured some marvellous moments.

Dvorak’s Cello Concerto starred Frenchman Gautier Capucon playing a 1701 Matteo Goffriller instrument. The sound projection was most impressive though the opening entry displayed a degree of coarseness. Though Karabits maintained fine rapport the horn theme seemed a tad slow.

The Adagio’s melodic beauty held a touching tenderness against lovely wind playing and the finale’s romantic gestures were winningly captured; Capucon’s reminiscing of times past was exquisite and he obviously appreciated the support of the principals’ solos. His unannounced encore was intriguing and certainly showed his instrument’s range.

The BBC’s TV documentary Earthflight, specifically the episode showing cranes, provided insight to Sibelius’ Symphony No5. Karabits’ perspectives were not always that convincing; the horns seemed uncomfortably slow in the opening of the first movement and the atmospheric episode with bassoon and strings just missed that special sense of mystery.

The subtle call of the crane did emerge here and Karabits pulled off some dramatic dynamics in the Andante. Best of all, the finale. Here a flying start and well controlled tempos kept the mood and the magnificence.

Weber’s Overture Oberon conveyed the operatic themes with opulence and enjoyment.