Yes, as a violinist it is easier when I play a concerto with an orchestra. The thrill of bending in and out of a structure is just amazing! However, some orchestras have more difficulty with it, it is just so ingrained to try and stay together.
However, I can imagine that if you are in charge of all the parts yourself, it would be fiendishly hard to do (on purpose!) at first. Especially as it has been trained out of us!
You should try and find some good fortepianists (Mozart era piano specialists!). If they are serious about their art, then they learn this technique pretty well.