It was strings and piano only for the opening “Etüdenfest” (Dean). Beginning as a mere murmur of violins, like an awakening hive, the sound swelled and retreated in interesting textures stitched together by high notes. Melodic stretches were interspersed with tense sci-fi soundtrack bursts that built tension in a spiralling swirl of sound embellished by a final wind chime delicate touch from the piano. The effect was strange and hypnotic, and a credit to conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing.

Teddy Tahu Rhodes emerged for the Brahms based “Four Preludes and Serious Songs” (Glanert), which was a mixed success but always interesting. Imposingly tall, and now with shaved head, Rhodes looked at first like Peter Garrett uncomfortably trapped in tails. His delivery was grave and powerful, lightening occasionally as the lyrical text demanded.

The music held a few surprises, with subtle woodwind moments, jerky “shower scene from Psycho” screeching, and beer-band jolly passages. By contrast, Schubert’s “Erlkönig” was brief and straightforward. A dramatic life-and-death race to save a young son’s life was depicted with a suitable mixture of hope and fury, and Rhodes’ voice adding lustre and energy.

The Australian premiere of another “Erlkönig”, this one by Hans Werner Henze, began with a bold blare and moved through stages that combined muscularity with tenderness. It was brash and refreshing, and ended with the same exuberance as it started.

The major work was “Schubert’s Symphony No. 2”. Here, it seemed that Lang-Lessing was not always so well rewarded for his effort. The lilt and gradual surge of the introductory allegro was tidily presented and it rolled out into a fast romp that worked better than the following scherzo, which lacked a feeling of genuine vivacity despite its bustle. The adagio espressivo was a solemn triumph with sweet clarinet and flute played against fugal strings, and impressive double-bass playing. The effect was one of solemnity and constraint but also of optimism, making a lovely bridge to the final allegro and an air of joy.

In the grand surroundings of the Town Hall, the TSO and Teddy Tahu Rhodes provided a program that charmed on almost every front.