Malcolm Arnold's Four Irish Dances are from the latter stage of his career. The 1986 piece complements his other regional dance suites for orchestra, including Cornish, English and Scottish dances, though it darker in mood and colour. Stomping brass and drums in the opening Allegro con Energico give way to two spare middle movements: a Comodo made from anguished melodic imitation and a lilting Piacevole with eerie solo piccolo and miniature trio for trumpets. The 11 minute piece concludes with a wild, contrapuntal jig in triple time.
The original orchestra version of the work was premiered at the Leeds Castle Festival on 10 October 1987, by the Wren Orchestra conducted by the composer.
