This suite of three dances was commissioned by BASBWE (British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles) and is dedicated to Tim Reynish – it was given its first performance on September 26th 1986 during the annual BASBWE conference.
As with some other wind band pieces by Guy Woolfenden, the thematic material is adapted from music originally written for RSC productions. The precise location of Illyria was not important to Shakespeare; what excited him was the resonance of the word itself and the romance of all far away, make-believe places.
The opening Rondeau has a rhythmic twist to its refrain, whilst the middle Aubade is a gentle dance with a hint of the dawn chorus and the final Gigue is a lively rondo.
