Wessex Dances is a through composed set of variations tightly constructed around the interval of a 4th. The music is at once easy to assimilate, yet challenging for players with some exposed scoring, and also for conductors, as the work requires fine judgement of tempi between contrasting sections. The score displays a rhythmic vitality and freshness from the opening, through a contrasting lyrical section, to a scherzo-like interlude in 3/8 before a rousing finale.
