MANX DANCES - Martin Ellerby

Click HERE to view a perusal score

In 2018 I responded to a commission from the Isle of Man Wind Orchestra to celebrate their 20th anniversary year which resulted
in my Five Manx Romances. That work concerned itself with historic locations and events on the island which resonated with me
and all of which I had visited. I was delighted to be asked to write for the orchestra again, this time for their 25th anniversary year
in 2022. This new work celebrates four, more firm, locations which are at diverse coastal places so as to include the whole island
rather than a sector – the art of diplomacy!

The first performance was given by the Isle of Man Wind Orchestra conducted by Paul Dunderdale at St. Ninian’s Church, Douglas,
IOM on 1 July 2022.

The four brief movements have subtitles that simply state the names of the places concerned:

1. Castletown – a bright and lively opening dance with a few unexpected turns here and there…
2. Ramsey – a gently lilting, yet passionate movement that comes into focus only to slip away again…
3. Point of Ayre - a contrasting, concise miniature featuring a solo oboe to concentrate the music on a single voice, backed by a
transparent orchestration, all played reflectively...
4. Peel – the final dance is played vivace (very lively) and features a recurring (ritornello) idea that suggests the ‘peal of bells’.
There is a more lyrical second subject, which remains in the same tempo, to maintain energy, before all concludes in great
celebration...

 

Wind Ensemble

C. 12 minutes