‘Ninette de Valois, famous ballet impressario, described Arnold as ‘the best ballet composer since Tchaikovsky’ (Penguin Guide) ‘Brilliant, playful and infectiously melodious, Arnold’s suites of national dances (his own tunes) are probably his best-loved concert works’ ‘one after another these little jewels grab and delight the ear with their brilliant pastiche of folk melodies – a box of delights’ (Gramophone)