Two pieces from the score of the full-length ballet Edward II. The ballet iteslf was commissioned by the Stuttgart Ballet and completed in 1995. The first performance took place in Stuttgart in April 1995 and in the same year this arrangement for 2 Pianos of two scenes was commissioned by the Port Fairy Festival of Australia.The first pieces represents one of the lighter moments of the ballet and is based upon a set of dances at the French Court> The second piece is a reminder of the darker nature of the ballet as a whole expressing the lust for power as the Barons opposed to Edward II unite in anger at his behaviour.

Originally commissioned by the BBC and first performed by Phyllis Sellick and Cyril Smith with the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer.. . .has an enchantingly gentle Ravelian slow movement and an outrageously jazzy finale which was encored at its Proms premiere - understandably as it centres on one of Arnold's most infectious tunes. . .Ivan March Gramophone December 1994