Vienna was at the heart of the BSO’s latest concert in this groundbreaking autumn season.

The giants Joseph Haydn and Johannes Brahms (born 101 years apart) who both lived and died in the Imperial capital, featured in Viennese Masters.

The audience in the Lighthouse and at home thanks to the pioneering live-streaming operation, welcomed conductor Mark Wigglesworth standing in for longtime BSO friend Kees Bakels (he was unable to be there because of quarantine regulations) and the remarkable Stephen Hough at the Steinway.

For those watching digitally, the concert was hosted by BBC Radio Three presenter Sarah Walker.

Two magnificent, towering pieces, delighted an audience which, despite being only 300 strong each week because of Covid restrictions, seems more than capable of filling the auditorium with the noise of its appreciation.

Haydn’s Symphony 99 was stirring and serene in a way that only Haydn does.

The Piano Concerto Number 2 is Brahms at his most dramatic.

The drama was played out in every note from the incredible and incomparable Mr Hough, who also provided the utterly mesmerising moments too.

Was I the only person spellbound by the reflection of his hands in the jet blackness of the piano.

There is a different sound to the BSO these days, in a concert hall only one fifth full and with the players themselves socially distanced on stage.

It is richer, deeper, fuller, bigger.

In his programme notes, chief executive, Dougie Scarfe said we should pay great tribute to the orchestra and guest artists “for the magnificent way they are adjusting to the challenges of performing with social distancing.”

To deliver symphonic scale music both in the hall and at home is quite something.

Despite the enormous challenges of our times, the BSO is still at the top of its game delivering world class music.

Andy Martin