His demanding Pentacle is going to provide a stern test of First Section bands. It is cast, as the title implies, in five movements with the number five also playing a significant part in the harmonic and rhythmic structure of the music. The test will be one for the whole band, although there is some highly exposed solo work to contend with, notably for soprano cornet. Amidst the technical challenges there is also real music to be found in the lengthy second movement. Although Foden’s Richardson takes all of this in its stride with a striking recording of the work, there is no mistaking the challenges that lie ahead for the competing bands.