Alma Mahler-Werfel (1878-1964) was apparently an evil bitch. Adored by many men, including her first husband (of three) Gustav Mahler, she was antisemitic, cruel, in later life a big Nazi supporter, and believed the world owed her a living. She adored Mahler but hated his music, and after his death (he predeceased her by 50 years) she destroyed all their correspondence concerned that history would show her for the monster she was. Her husband refused to allow her to compose, and despite her faults she wrote some very lovely songs. Coupled with works by Croatian Dora Pejačević, they were performed beautifully by Sarah Connolly. I have never heard Rachmaninov's 1st symphony at a concert, although I am aware of the terrible story when a drunk Glazunov conducting its first performance mangled it and it was torn to pieces by the critics, putting Rachmaninov off composition for ages until hypnotherapy could restore his confidence. It is not obviously Rachmaninov, but great stuff, with echoes of Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky.

Fun concert from the Budapest Festival Orchestra, who also sometimes double up as a choir (as they did during an encore performance of Brahms "Little Swallow" song). Powerful and enjoyable performances of both the (for it's time) ground breaking Schumann Piano Concerto, and the Mendelssohn Scottish symphony. Apparently Schumann tried to get the first movement accepted for publication as a "Fantasy for Piano & Orchestra" with no luck, and only the influence of his wife Clara convinced him to turn it into a full three movement concerto. Mendelssohn conducted the second ever performance in January 1846.