Chichester Symphony Orchestra in Chichester

 Chichester Symphony Orchestra, Chichester Cathedral, Oct 28

An orchestra at lunchtime is a special treat and putting together the annual dates with organist Charles Harrison and the CSO was neat planning. Chichester Cathedral has a number of French connections, not least with the Poulenc Organ Concerto, and so we were French throughout.

The woodwind and harp made for a floating En Bateau and further movements in Debussy's Petite Suite with soft pizzicato strings, into the serene perambulations of the Cortège and supported by the horns in the airy, light-filled Menuet. The Ballet, though, changed up a gear as if possessed by Aaron Copland and a heavier rhythmic charge.

Next, Ravel's Pavane pour une infante défunte unfolded with beguiling solemnity under Simon Wilkins's calm direction. In the front few rows at least, the CSO always sound immaculately balanced and they achieved all the sensual dignity of this gorgeous lament.

But perhaps the Poulenc was the big story. Dark and imposing from the start with low strings and timpani underscoring Charles's arresting sound, the higher strings shivered at a quicker tempo. With distant echoes of Bach and Buxtehude, it was really more discontinuous than any such thing from the C17th or C18th with its never settled mood. It worried along through portents and their subdued aftermath, hinted at something more military before cool, austere reflection. And just when it seemed that was how it might be going to end, it ended with a bang. Sometimes it can be a benefit not to have done any homework and thus not know what to expect. One can only hear a piece for the first time once and 'live' is the best way to do it.

The concert was dedicated to the memory of Patricia Routledge, supporter and patron of both the orchestra and the cathedral. It made for a fine musical bouquet.