It was an eclectic evening, including Dvorak's Symphony No. 7; French pianist (and tour soloist) HelËne Grimaud performing Beethoven's Concerto No. 4; and Aditus, a bold, 10-minute opener by Estonian composer Erkki-Sven T¸¸r.

Dvorak's Seventh is one of his most popular symphonies, because, besides warmth and noble themes, it is full of irresistible folk tunes and dance rhythms.

The symphony proved to be the evening's most rewarding performance. Jarvi's view was relaxed, atmospheric and spontaneous, and he inspired passion in just the right moments. The first movement glowed; the conductor knew when the strings should play heart-on-sleeve, and brought out vibrant detail in the winds.

There were many fine contributions from orchestral soloists, including French hornist Karl Pituch, principal horn of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. (He's filling in on the tour for Thomas Sherwood, who is injured.)

The centerpiece was Beethoven's Concerto No. 4. Grimaud, who will also perform the Schumann Piano Concerto on tour, is an impressive technician, who gave a powerhouse performance to a cheering crowd, but it somehow left me cold.

The first movement had a kind of headlong brilliance; she attacked its chromatic runs and arpeggios as if there were no tomorrow, and themes rushed ahead. The finale, a rondo, was exuberant, but the orchestra scrambled to keep up, and there was little give and take with soloists.

The concert opened with Aditus, an abstract painting in loud blocks of shifting sound waves, colored by brass clusters, chimes and a battery of percussion. It gently evaporated to nothing, for an atmospheric finish.

The concert repeats at 11 a.m. today and 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: 381-3300 or www.cincinnatisymphony.org.

E-mail jgelfand@enquirer.com