Evans Chou
This 7-movement quintet suite reimagines Celtic themes from Scotland and Ireland with fresh interpretations in scoring and harmony.
I. Prelude: Loch Lomond opens the suite with serene warmth.
II. Gavotte: The Lovat Scouts, a spirited dance based on a piece by J. Scott Skinner of the same name, honouring Highland regiments.
III. Waltz: A medley of Skye Boat Song, Wild Mountain Thyme, and Auld Lang Syne, evoking love and friendship.
IV. Aire: The Rowan Tree, a tender reflection on tradition.
V. Jig: A fast folk dance based on two themes — Off She Goes and The Irish Washer, energetic and lively.
VI. Hymn: Highland Cathedral, a stately anthem of Scottish pride.
VII. Polka: A finale based on John Ryan’s Polka and Soldier’s Joy, with Scotland the Brave on the bass, ending the suite with jubilance.
An arrangement of the first movement, Prelude, is later written for flute and violin with piano accompaniment.
This arrangement embodies a reimagined rhythm for the well-known Loch Lomond tune. Consisting of a dotted minim followed by two quavers, this initial rhythmic idea actually precedes that of the final version of the first movement seen in the suite. This idea was later rewritten into a separate piece dedicated to a flautist, Francesca Jamieson, of whom the idea was initially from.
This arrangement is now catalogued as a supplementary attachment to the Op. 17 Celtic Suite, marked Anh:Ind 15b.