The two sets of English Dances are among Sir Malcolm Arnold's most popular works. They were written in response to a suggestion made by Arnold's publisher, Alfred Lengnick, that Arnold (and other British composers) write some British works in the style of Antonín Dvorák's Slavonic Dances. The first set of English Dances was completed late in 1950, and dedicated to Bernard de Nevers of the Lengnick firm. Sir Adrian Boult conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra in their premiere, on April 14, 1951, at Central Hall, East Ham, London.

Unabashedly accessible, the English Dances are full of memorable tunes in the style of folk songs (but without quoting any actual folk melodies). The first set of four English Dances begins with an Andantino, a sweet, lilting melody with a tinge of melancholy. The lively second dance, a Vivace, is followed by a Mesto in which a vaguely mournful theme is stated first by the bassoon, taken up by strings and woodwinds, and builds in an imposing crescendo before ending with a quiet coda. The final dance, Allegro risoluto, features a rousing theme sounded by unison strings and horns. Some exciting writing for the brass reminds the listener that Arnold was for many years a noted orchestral trumpet player.

The two sets of English Dances gained further life when Arnold later incorporated them into a ballet, Solitaire.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.