Perkins, Laurence: Walking Tune

Traditional Swedish Folk Melody

Walking Tune (or 'Ganglat fran 'ppelbo') is a very popular traditional Swedish folk melody, which is also well known in Denmark where there is a special folk dance connected with the tune. It is a melody that can be sung when walking a long distance, and it is also used as a 'Sk'nklat', to be played (for instance) at a wedding reception while the married couple open their wedding presents. This arrangement is dedicated to my wife Susan Scott, who died of cancer in 1989, just before her 35th birthday. We met in 1983 in Nairobi, Kenya where she was living and working at the time. When she returned to England, we worked for five happy years as the bassoon section of the Manchester Camerata Orchestra, and the Camerata Wind Soloists. We were married in 1987. Susan had learned this melody from a Danish friend who was also working in Kenya, and she played it on many occasions. I feel that this arrangement serves as a fitting tribute to a fine performer and a very special person.' - Laurence  Perkins