BSO and Chorus, Lighthouse, Poole

KEES Bakels made a welcome return to the podium conducting Mozart's sacred masterpiece, the Mass in C Minor, in an account providing ample evidence of a cogent approach to the nature of his work.

Setting the soloists behind the orchestra to maximise the balance of forces was of real benefit for soprano Hyunah Yu, whose delicate entry in Christe eleison with its low register susceptible to inaudibility.

Bakel's performance throughout was a model of restraint; not that he held anything back for the chorus-shattering Gloria, allowing their two-to-one advantage over the BSO full impact.

A strong vocal line for mezzo-soprano Anna Stephany, in the Laudamus te and elsewhere, was greatly appreciated. Tenor Andrew Kennedy succeeded in making forceful presence in the Quoniam trio, and I regret that the fine bass Iain Paterson was only involved in the penultimate vocal quartet.

The Bournemouth Symphony Chrous were in their usual splendid form - the measured tread in Qui tollis, drawn down to intimate levels and exquisite antiphonal changes was just one of the many highlights.

Haydn's ready wit and inventive skills were in fine fettle for the Symphony No.76. Bakels had the measure of all its felicities, drawing top-notch playing from the BSO.