Adrian Brockless’ latest musical creation, Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang, is a beautifully crafted reimagining of a traditional Shetland folk tune that captures the essence of both classical music and the wild spirit of the Shetland Islands. Performed by Orchestra Nova, a quintet based in Aberdeen, the piece offers a fresh take on a folk classic, bringing together the classical tradition and the unique sounds of Shetland’s cultural heritage in an utterly captivating way.
At the heart of this composition is Brockless’ personal connection to the music. Originally conceived as a birthday gift for his mother, Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang was part of a trio of pieces that also featured his father’s Toccata For An Occasion and his own Berceuse. While the gift was initially intended for close family, the piece’s transformation into a wider release shows how deeply music can touch and connect people beyond the immediate circle. Brockless’ intimate yet expansive approach to composition is truly remarkable—his deep respect for his roots and the emotions behind his work breathe life into every note.
The performance by Orchestra Nova, formerly known as the Nova Quartet, elevates Brockless’ arrangement, showcasing the quintet’s exceptional musicianship. The combination of strings and a subtle, sensitive treatment of Shetland’s folk elements adds layers of texture to the music, making it feel as though the listener is on a journey through the heart of the Shetland Isles themselves. The folk melody at the heart of the piece is both haunting and tender, while Brockless’ classical approach allows the music to unfold with a cinematic quality, making it both a nod to the past and a tribute to the future.
Brockless’ pedigree as a composer is equally impressive. Coming from a musical family steeped in British classical traditions, his father, Brian Brockless, was renowned for his revival of Renaissance music, and his aunt Pauline Brockless enjoyed a distinguished career as a soprano. With such an illustrious family background, it’s no surprise that Adrian’s work reflects a deep understanding of classical composition. His experience as a chorister and Head Chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral and Guildford Cathedral only further honed his ability to shape music with both precision and emotional depth.
Now a resident of Shetland, Brockless draws fresh inspiration from the island’s dramatic landscape and rich cultural heritage. This influences his approach to blending folk traditions with his classical background, and Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang perfectly encapsulates this new phase in his creative evolution. The result is a work that feels both rooted in history and forward-looking, a beautiful fusion of past and present.
Beyond his work on this particular release, Brockless has also demonstrated his dedication to preserving Shetland’s musical traditions in other projects, such as his arrangements for an audiobook of Bobby Tulloch’s Shetland: An Islander, His Islands and Their Wildlife. This further underscores his commitment to bringing the sounds and stories of Shetland to a wider audience.
Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang is a piece of music that will transport listeners, evoking the mystical landscape of Shetland while showcasing Adrian Brockless’ exceptional ability to blend classical and folk traditions. It’s a work that not only honors Shetland’s past but also promises to become part of its musical future.