David Le Page and his group brought some potent new music to Oxford on Thursday evening, as well as a new interpretation of a major favourite.

We were playing witness to the launch of a new album of his own material, As the Crow Flies, incorporating works for the augmented string quintet that forms his ensemble. I think it must be the first time I've seen a harpsichord share a stage with a drum kit. This was disconcerting at first, but the percussion was incorporated so subtly and appropriately that it all fit the context brilliantly. Le Page's works were by turns reflective, introspective, fierce and exuberant, but at no point less than original and engaging.

Then in the second half of the concert came the Vivaldi, which was was a sparkling rendition - a fantastic reminder why the Four Seasons remains a monumental favourite in the repertoire. Aside from the technical perfection of the performance, the ensemble also managed to find ways of injecting a freshly original verve into the work.

I've witnessed some workmanlike performances of the Vivaldi in my time, usually rendered with far greater forces than were involved in this performance; but the word doesn't fit here. It may be that the small size of the group added a bit of salt and vinegar to the music that is sometimes missing.

It hardly need be stated that the musicianship was impeccable, but we were treated to energy and bite of a different order: this was an altogether special concert.