For oboe and string orchestra, this three movement work reflects a pastoral atmosphere throughout.

The first movement, Rustic Tunes, though of an autumnal, brooding character in a minor key, does not drag, but moves con moto throughout.

This is followed by A North Country Air, a gentle, reflective melody featuring the oboe in its more expressive mode, supported by a quiet accompaniment from the strings.

Finally Rustic Dances returns to the idiom of the first movement but at a faster tempo and with an unrelenting pulsating rhythm from the lower strings. In this section several lively tunes follow one another in quick succession. Later, fragments of the earlier movements are heard, there is a climax, a short cadenza from the oboe and the suite rapidly moves on to its conclusion with a triumphant flourish.

The string parts are provided for 3 3 2 2 1 desks. Please get in touch if you need a set with more copies for your ensemble.