This work was written in early 1988 for Catherine Ennis, who gave the first performance at Holy Trinity Church, Reading on 13th June 1988. On the original manuscript, John Gardner expresses his characteristically modest view on the nature of the piece: “Though all five dances may be played as set, they hardly constitute a suite, and two, three or four might well be selected and played in any order as a group.” Nevertheless, the piece has been highly successful in its entirety and has been performed, recorded and broadcast by many organists over the years.
To prepare for this new edition, the composer’s son Christopher has referenced the original manuscript and been able to correct a number of errors which existed in the previously published editions.”
