Back at the Halle aux Grains in Toulouse for a fascinating programme of works by Claude Debussy, Ernest Bloch and Gustav Mahler. I was particularly looking forward to seeing the performance of the wonderful Argentine cellist Sol Gabetta

The evening began with Debussy’s ‘Prelude à l’Après-midi d’un faun’. Inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé’s poem, it was composed in 1892 and premiered in 1894. It was originally intended to be part of a three-movement symphony but Debussy retained only the Prelude, which has since become a favourite part of the repertoire. It was beautifully played, with the flute part being particularly noteworthy.

The first part of the evening was completed by Ernest Bloch’s ‘Schelomo – Rhapsodie hébraïque pour violincelle’. It draws on Bloch’s Jewish heritage and is inspired by the biblical figure of Solomon, whose voice is said to be represented by the cello. I had never seen this live before and it was a special treat to see it being performed by Sol Gabetta, who played it with great feeling, bringing an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Sol Gabetta (photograph Julia Wesely)

Tarmo Peltokoski and the Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse

Gustav Mahler’s Symphony no. 1 in D major, composed in 1888, is one of my favourite works to see in concert. I have seen it many times but tonight’s performance was possibly the best of all. The orchestra were really on fire and played superbly. Woodwinds and percussion were particularly impressive but all sections played really well and conductor Tarmo Peltokoski was called back several times.

Claude Debussy: ‘Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune’; Ernest Bloch: ‘Schelomo, Rhapsodie hébraïque pour violoncelle et orchestre’; Gustav Mahler: ‘Symphony no. 1 in D major’.