Eric Wetherell: Bristol Quay Suite: String Orchestra

A magnificent suite, written in 1987 by Eric Wetherell, for String Orchestra.

The first movement is based on the sea shanty Santiano, hinting at the danger as well as the romance of life at sea. The second is a gentle waltz; perhaps the eighteenth century sailor, putting into port, found an opportunity to show his gentler side. The Polish folk-song River Wisla is the theme of the third movement, and the finale is a fast 6/8 firmly rooted in the English musical tradition.