On 7 March 1959, under the sign of Pisces, a string orchestra gave its first public concert. It was called the John Ritchie String Orchestra, and there is much to be said for regarding that occasion as the genesis of the present Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. I am proud to have had some hand in its early destiny. When I was asked to write a piece for an anniversary concert – essentially a programme for strings – it was decided to commemorate the eventful 25 years of the orchestra's existence; to exploit the presence of a close friend and colleague, Carl Pini; and to produce a suite which captures something of the old concerto grosso spirit, in format if not in style.
The Partita is cast in three movements. The first derives its impetus from the soloist's opening gambit and the orchestral ritornello heard soon after. Their frequent reappearances enshrine a dorian tonality and embody a structure not unlike a rondo.
The Arioso is for solo violin with support from the string orchestra in the main, an extended cantilena redolent of warm memories.
Finally, in the rhythm of a jig, various of the concertante elements re-emerge. Woodwind and horns in the middle section and more especially the violin become increasingly prominent until near the end a cadenza for the soloist ponders fragments in retrospect before a final flourish.
