Down by the Salley Gardens

The "salley gardens" in Yeats' poem are thought to refer to the banks of the river at Ballysadare near Sligo. The opening introduces the melody, without harmonization, in octaves in the violins. In the middle there is an unexpected pizzicato verse, and near the end a solo violin gives way to the cello section for a final brief remembrance that fades out. This is a wonderful arrangement that will develop musicianship and be a delight for audiences!