The score to Malcolm Arnold’s Four Irish Dances

Malcolm Arnold’s Four Irish Dances are from the latter stage of his career. The 1986 piece complements his other regional dance suites for orchestra – including Cornish and Scottish dances – though is darker in mood and colour. Stomping brass and drums in the opening Allegro con Energico give way to two spare middle movements: a Comodo made from anguished melodic imitation, using only strings and woodwind; and a lilting Piacevole with eerie solo piccolo and miniature trio for trumpets. The 11-minute piece concludes with a wild, contrapuntal jig in triple time.