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East London Heys (1985-86) |
string orchestra or string quartet - 16'
also version for wind quintet (4 movements) - 11'
Michael Finnissy wrote East London Heys in 1985-6 while composer-in-residence for the East London Late Starters' Orchestra. A "Hey" is a traditional English dance figure, and the nine pieces which make up the set suggest English and Irish folk dances, though without actual quotations.
East London Heys is intended for use as teaching material for mixed ability groups, and provides a refreshing addition to concert programmes. A version also exists for wind quintet.