Valasia (Conductor: Arsène Duc) -

A well organised opening shows new subtleties in the textures. It's not without it's insecurities or intonation issues but it's well shaped.

There's a lot of sense to these shapes - they add up to a greater whole. Just the odd slip which detracts.

A good sense of pulse and great attention to detail as we progress, and the tutti band sounds are full of depth and well balanced. Sop stands out.

The ensemble moves as one. Its presence is commanding. Not without flaws, but extremely impressive.

The delicate dynamics and texture standout - not without the odd frailty but generally secure and yet subtle.

An occasional slip through the solos just mars what is otherwise extremely well executed. Tuning of brass against crotales has drifted which is a shame.

Beautiful euphonium in these later solos. Still some inconsistencies in lines.

There's a great detail of clarity and detail in the agitato, but not always 100% balanced.

There's some phenomenal dynamic work here, but the slips are detracting. In such a tough field, it's likely to cost.

Probably the best swing we've had - some additional consideration to wide vib - but still not without it's constraint.

Big sounds in the final chorale, and some phenomenal detail - though not always 100% linear.

It all culminates in a rousing finale. This is sure to be up there, but I think there were a few too many issues for it to walk away with the prize on this one.