Introduction and Pas-de-deux

The score to Malcolm Arnold’s Intro & Pas-de-Deux

Malcolm Arnold’s 1954 ballet score tells the story of the sorceress Armida who enchants Rinaldo and transports him to her island. This 9-minute selection for orchestra, arranged by Christopher Palmer in 1991, excerpts the Introduction & Pas-de-Deux. A brooding opening, over a startlingly dissonant chord, summon mystery and foreboding, with an eerie solo from muted horn. A sinuous oboe melody opens the Pas-de-Deux before strings steer the music towards a lush and passionate climax. It ends on the mysterious chord that opened it.