English conductor Stephen Layton, known internationally for his choral work, assembles an enjoyable set of Baroque and early Classical works for this concert. All three pieces we hear have a jubilant, celebratory nature. Layton’s spirited conducting makes the music sound as fresh as if it had been composed yesterday.

Bach’s church cantata Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen (1730) is one of his sacred cantatas that employs only a single soloist, in this case a soprano. The vocal writing is melismatic, decorative and technically challenging. Australian soprano Sara Macliver dispatches it not only with accuracy but, equally importantly, with expressive point. She maintains a lovely, secure legato in the plaintive second movement, “We pray in the temple where God’s glory dwells.”

Stephen Layton conducts the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Photo supplied

In the opening and closing movements, Macliver duets with a trumpet obbligato, trading playful exchanges and superbly executed runs in close harmony. Assistant Principal Trumpet Brent Grapes plays his part with great control, period sensitivity and genuine bravado.

The orchestra, though using modern instruments, understands the Baroque style equally well, with limited vibrato...