Peter Maxwell Davies: Mrs Linklater's Tune (Solo Violin)

This unaffected but effective piece is a homage to the late Marjorie Linklater, a much-loved friend from Orkney, and a charming set-piece for violinists of moderate ability. The slow introductory adagio serves the function of a fond elegy, proving the simple effect of moving between D minor and D major. It serves the songful quality of the violin, as does the wistful central episode of the main sequence; but an exuberant love of the dance is the essence of the allegro, with the high, bright sonority of the instrument very much to the fore. It was first performed by Julia Robinson Dean at the St Magnus Festival, Orkney, on 21st June 1998.
Arranged for solo violin. Duration c. 4 minutes.