The Oslo Philharmonic's relationship with its Latvian-born Music Director Mariss Jansons has been symbiotic. Under his leadership, the orchestra has become one of the most exciting in Europe; Jansons simi larly, has matured into a performer of alluring dynamism. This was one of the most thrilling concerts in London for some time.

Its focal point was Brahms's First Symphony. The emotions throughout are extreme, convulsive, disturbing. Unlike some conductors, who forge the disparate movements into a whole by treating the work as a sustained elegy, Jansons sees it as an inherently tragic statement, which only resolves itself into elation in its final sections. Even the calm of the intermezzo proved illusory, its mellifluous beauty suddenly swivelling into territory which hints at profound unease.

A similar revelatory density pervaded the Symphonic Fantasy which Strauss concocted in 1946 from his opera Die Frau Ohne Schatten. The piece is tricky, but this performance was riveting. The timbres and textures glittered and swooned with mesmeric beauty. Jansons' pacing was exemplary.

A group of songs by Grieg and the Swedish composer Hugo Alfven proved a relief from earlier intensity. Restrained and nostalgic, they were sung with quiet dignity by Barbara Bonney. Jansons scaled the orchestra down to the size of a chamber ensemble here, surrounding Bonney's silvery tone with sharp, yet exquisite tendrils of sound. A phenomenal evening, from start to finish.