“He that would go to sea for pleasure, would go to hell for a pastime”

- Nautical Proverb

‘Sea Song and Hornpipe’ is a song and dance composed for Tenor Horn Soloist and Solo Horn of the Black Dyke Band: Siobhan Bates. 


The work was composed as part of the Black Dyke’s Band ‘Young Composer’ residency. The music draws inspiration from traditional sea songs and the composer’s own experience living in a port city.

The main theme of the work comes from the traditional sea shanty ‘Spanish Ladies’, a stoic sea song which tells the story of British Sailors who must bid farewell to the ‘Ladies of Spain’ as they return to England.

Shanties are a historic part of British maritime tradition and would be sung as sailors laboured on the ship. Shanty rhythms would help sailors coordinate their efforts abroad

the vessel. Thus, the focus of these working songs was on the rhythm and beat, allowing every sailor to sing and coordinate as part of a group. Music and song was also used aboard ships to help pass the time and maintain morale in what was often arduous and punishing work.

Set out in two main movements, the work begins with a bold introduction before our shanty theme follows with a romantic ballad. The technical virtuosity of the soloist is then showcased as the piece transitions into a gradually building hornpipe. Our opening material returns before a ferocious accelerando and bold finale to close.