Noel Rawsthorne’s career has been inextricably linked with Sir Gilbert Scott’s gigantic Anglican cathedral in Liverpool, first as a chorister, then as sub-organist to Reginald Goss-Custard, and finally, from 1955, as organist. ‘Line Dance’ is the fifth and final movement from
Dance Suite which he wrote for the opening of the newly restored Willis organ in Huddersfield Town Hall in 1997. It was inspired by the verve and energy of Michael Flatley’s dance spectacular ‘The Lord of the Dance’ and begins with the Shaker tune ‘Simple Gifts’, also known by the same title. The pace hots up as we are taken on a whirlwind tour of several popular tunes, set in an infectiously toe-tapping style. The work ends with ‘On Ilkley Moor baht ’at’, an affectionate tribute to Yorkshire, the location of the first performance.
from notes by Stephen Westrop © 2001
