In three movements the Serenade is in turn light, melodic and sunny. Originally scored for flute, violin and viola, the use of three largely treble instruments is an important factor in the overall enchanting mood of the piece. The first movement trips along cheekily, with frequent extreme harmony changes in the first subject, which alternates with a more legato, flowing second idea. The second movement starts with a hymn-like theme, which becomes more and more tortuous before a very brief coda of the hymn-like material. The third and final movement is a lively romp in compound time, almost reminiscent of a Tarantella. The dance-like feeling is halted a couple of times by a longer phrased theme with almost a triple time feel. The dance keeps bursting through the texture, until the very end when it calms to a tranquil conclusion. - fortonmusic.co.uk