English Games

Bruce, Stuart

About the work

English Games was commissioned by Norfolk County Council for their youth string orchestra. It is a lively piece in simple ternary form, containing easily definable themes and their derivations, although incorporating many points of harmonic tension and abrupt chanmges in metre. The slow central section features a bass ostinato and pulsating accompaniment beneath the serene melody. There is no Programme to English Games: the title was evoked by the busy nature and differing moods of the music.

First Performance: Norfolk County String Orchestra, Wymondham College, Norfolk, April 1984

Technical notes

Requires a standard five part string orchestra. There are occasional solo phrases. It is a highly rhythmic piece, suitable for either large or small string orchestra.