Traditional & Parry – Welsh Rum and Rarebits (String Quartet Parts)

We have all heard of Wales described as the Land of Song, but in this lively medley (a companion piece to Bill Thorp's Suite Irish Sherry), the well-known folk songs David of the White Rock, Cadair Idris and The Ash Grove are combined with lesser-known Welsh dance tunes Hunting the Hare, Powell's Fancy and Corris’ Whim, culminating in the unforgettable (and certainly unpronounceable!) Pibddawns gwŷr Gwrecsam. Originally arranged for a wedding this is a fun piece that is perfect for 'function' quartets. With interest in all parts it is a good piece for any string quartet, whether student, amateur or professional, to relax with and enjoy in concert or at home.

One of the most well known tunes of all. Once attributed to Henry the Eighth and introduced here in a beautiful new arrangement by Carlo Martelli. This arrangement was recorded on the CD British Light Music Premieres Vol. 2, released in 2005 by Dutton Epoch CDLX 7151.

This delightful collection of traditional Japanese folk songs, arranged by Bill Thorp, is framed by a cradle song Sleep, Baby, Sleep and was originally marked "in butterfly fashion", with the footnote "a young mother seems to flit from theme to theme in the attempt to lullaby her infant". The fauna and flora she sings of in her attempt include cranes and turtles, lotus flowers, a rabbit on the moon, foxes barking in the darkness, a poor canary, red dragonflies, tummy-drumming badgers and, of course, cherry blossoms.