Throughout his life Cowen produced pieces that might today be called ‘light classics’. They proved popular enough, but were often seen as secondary among his output, and in consequence often have histories that are not well documented.

The Four English Dances in the Olden Style belong in this category. They were written in 1896, published in 1901 and played at a Promenade Concert on 13 September, 1909, conducted by Henry Wood. Beyond that there is nothing to indicate why they were writte...