Manger Musikklag (Conductor: Prof. David King) -

I always look forward to David King's interpretations, and with Manger - I'm sure this is set to be exciting!

The textures to open are well managed and certainly mysterious.

There's a really good balance between brass and percussion here, with the bells nicely accentuating the fragments of Bach Doss put in for us to find.

Quieter moments are affected well, but not without uncomfortable moments in individual playing and fragilities apparent.

Some lovely solo contributions - bravo euphonium!

The agitato has a great presence and energy to it though not all shapes quite land together.

The swing feels a bit 'square', but the dynamics are great.

The chorale is well managed, though perhaps lacking a bit of horizontal continuity.

Fantastic band sound to finish!

A very enjoyable show from Manger and Prof. King but not without its moments of discomfort, which in a competition of such high calibre, could cost them places in the end.