Impeccable sounds, military precision and an imaginative and challenging programme ensured the Black Dyke Band lived up to its fine reputation at King's Lynn Corn Exhange.

By ALISON CROOSE

Impeccable sounds, military precision and an imaginative and challenging programme ensured the Black Dyke Band lived up to its fine reputation at King's Lynn Corn Exhange.

There was a special tribute to Lynn festival vice-president, Norfolk-based composer Sir Malcolm Arnold, who is 80 this year. The band did full justice to Sir Malcolm's Fantasy for Brass Band and his Four Cornish Dances which were in turn rhythmic, atmospheric, unashamedly Salvation Army hymn tune and a virtuoso rondo involving each brass section.

Sir Malcolm would have been delighted with the band's rendition of his work. Unfortunately he was unable to attend because of his hectic schedule of concerts.

The variety of the programme contributed much to the enjoyment and one imaginative and creative feature was the musical interpretation of the Battle of Trafalgar, which gained extra poignancy in Nelson's home county.

John Williams' Olympic Fanfare and Theme and Jim Parker's Ground Force Suite added to the musical range and cornet, tuba, trombone and euphonium solos were particularly well-received.

The novelty of Elgar Howarth's Berne Patrol and Pewter Graham's Gaelforce showed the musicians in all their glory. Black Dyke took it all in their stride and delighted a packed audience.