Jaime Laredo's ""Bach and Beyond” series with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra might be subtitled “Chestnuts” for small orchestra.

        Two of Bach's most famous concertos framed the second installment of “Bach and Beyond” on Tuesday in Corbett Auditorium at the University of Cincinnati. The enthusiastic standing ovation at the conclusion of Bach's Double Concerto might be attributed as much to the glorious music that Bach wrote, as to the performance by Mr. Laredo and CSO concertmaster Timothy Lees.

        Again, it proved how well the formula works. The program included Schubert's Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, Unfinished, and Samuel Barber's whimsical Capricorn Concerto.

        It also offered a chance for CSO principal players to shine. The evening opened with Bach's C Minor Concerto for Oboe and Violin, BWV 1060, with principal oboist Richard Johnson and Mr. Laredo as violinist and conductor.

        It was a friendly collaboration. Mr. Johnson spun a refined, seamless line while Mr. Laredo's dialogue was almost vocal in expression. The sustained slow movement, with its delicate pizzicato accompaniment, was a well-matched counterpoint of flowing themes; the finale was exuberant.

        Mr. Laredo inspired a richness in the orchestra, that nevertheless sometimes engulfed the soloists.

        He returned wielding only his baton for Schubert's Unfinished Symphony. Here his view was expansive, genteel and tender, with true pianissimos that made for a wide dynamic range. The tempo at times seems labored — but it was more an aspect of direction than actual speed; the gorgeous cello theme in the first movement, for instance, breathed with life.

        It was Schubert heard in a new light: unrushed and refined, with no detail glossed over. The brass and winds made exceptional contributions. Oboist Christopher Philpotts' sound was broad and full of color; The CSO's new second clarinetist, Ixi Chen, beautifully articulated her second movement solo.

        Trumpeter Philip Collins, flutist Randolph Bowman and oboist Mr. Johnson were center stage for Barber's Capricorn Concerto, a modern concerto grosso.

        The opening fugue was sinuous, brooding and chromatic, which changed, chameleon-like, to a bright allegro. The musicians' playing was especially engaging in the staccato, tongue-in-cheek scherzo. The finale, evoking Copland, was syncopated and bright.

        The concluding Bach Concerto in D Minor for two violins brought together two violinists with distinctively different voices, that nevertheless matched.

        Mr. Laredo was an involved leader, who turned to communicate with each section of the orchestra, as well as with his partner. Of the two, he was more assertive, full of color and free; Mr. Lees, a violinist of purity and refinement, sometimes seemed as bit careful.

        The first movement positively smiled, and one could hear the conversation. The slow movement unfolded with the players in perfect communion, and the finale was electric.

        Bach lovers take note: Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 heads the program next Tuesday. (Tickets: 381-3300 or www.cincinnatisymphony.org.)

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