*****

If you go to war, better take a good brass section with you.

That was the powerful message from the resounding ranks of horns, trumpets and trombones in the Best Of British Film Scores.

About half the superb programme was devoted to films with a war connection. Brass was well to the fore, putting the bomb in the bombast of well-loved pieces such as the Dam Busters March and 633 Squadron.

Sir William Walton’s score for Henry V sounded just like it is, probably the finest film score ever written. This captivating piece had everything, wonderful drumming, sounds of breathless horses, fury and mournful phrasing from a “sample” from Songs Of The Auvergne.

While the orchestra, firmly commanded by conductor Richard Balcombe, adopted a suitable martial air for much of the concert, it let its hair down joyfully in Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines.

During pauses for thought peace was restored by leader John Bradbury’s so-sweet but controlled tone on Ladies In Lavender and his exquisite higher-register work in Beauty And The Beast.

A pre-Christmas treat of Sir Malcolm Arnold’s The Holly And The Ivy: Fantasy On Christmas Carols finally wished peace and goodwill to all.