The Welsh Dance set is much more of a homogenous work than any of its five predecessors, with a structural integrity practically symphonic in nature. The slow second movement has an almost Mahlerian cast about its voice, though whether Mahler could have restricted himself to a mere three minutes of this wonderful counterpoint is a moot point! There is an atmosphere of brooding introspection which pervades the suite, even in its faster and more energetic moments, emanating from the same dark side of the composer's Muse which gave birth to the Ninth Symphony.



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