There was a buzz of anticipation at this, the BSO’s penultimate concert of the season which uniquely featured Brahms’ first two symphonies, to be followed next day by the last pair.

This Mercedes-Benz of Poole supported programme co-incidentally fell upon the 181st anniversary of Brahms’ birth and received a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Brahms characteristically has a penchant for contrasts and under the direction of Kirill Karabits that trait in Symphony No1 was evidenced with cogently considered tempos.

The first movement, steady as a rock, suggested with its measured timpani beat not high drama, but a reinforcement of tragic overtones, suitably maintained with a powerful forward thrust.

Calmly, the ensuing Andante drew upon oboe and clarinet solos ending with a lovely coda contribution from leader Amyn Merchant.

The third movement’s easy flow is countered centrally by much agitation and though the finale has a moody anguish at its introduction, Karabits ensured the triumphant entry of the trombones whipped up an orchestral alternative to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.

Symphony No2 is the sublimely sunny opposite to the first, Karabits’ thrusting pulse fully committed to the trombones dissonant forte. Brahms’ foil meant a place for darkness was to be found in the sombre melodic lines of the Adagio; with haunting winds and heartfelt emotion.

In the Allegretto those winds plus cellos lightly and lyrically charm, set against a busy presto. The finale’s flow is rudely blown apart and from thereon changes of dynamic and texture were skilfully exploited by Karabits in a tremendously exciting culmination.