{TABLE} Capriccio on Gypsy Themes ........... Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 3 ................. Rachmaninov. Symphony No 1 ....................... Rachmaninov {/TABLE} THE National Symphony Orchestra produced some sterling playing at the National Concert Hall last Friday night. Yet again, the orchestra's recently appointed principal, guest conductor, Alexander Anissimov, showed himself to be a musician who knows how to produce vivid colour, well turned phrasing and rhythmic energy. Such qualities can easily result in a studied carefulness; but not with Anissimov, for he is one of those conductors who knows exactly how much he needs to control; and he does no more, no less. Such artistic certainty is liberating. Indeed, one of the great strengths of this concert lay in the confident freedom of the NSO's playing.

As in the NSO/Anissimov concert two weeks ago, this was an all Rachmaninov programme, containing one rarity plus two better known works. The rarity was the early Capriccio on Gypsy Themes, which sprawls so freely that it defies cogent performance. But it is replete with distinctive orchestral colouring, which was nicely handled in this performance.

In the Third Piano Concerto, Miceal O'Rourke played the solo part with precision and expressive clarity. The result was sometimes a little too tight, but this was largely covered over by the energy and unanimity of the discourse with Anissimov and the NSO. It was a full blooded performance from soloist and orchestra alike, one which went to the heart of the music.

Rachmaninov's First Symphony was written just a few years after the Capriccio, when the composer was about 24. It also sprawls, especially in the first three movements, but Anissimov's approach had a persuasive power which held one's attention throughout. Even more riveting was an extraordinarily purposeful and intense account of the finale.

If Anissimov and the NSO can sustain this level of achievement, concert life in Ireland will take a great leap forward.