Composer Adrian Brockless, a resident of Shetland with roots deep in the British classical music tradition, has unveiled his latest release, Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang, an evocative reimagining of a traditional Shetland folk tune. This piece, originally composed by Shetland musician Mary-Ellen Odie, draws listeners into the world of Shetland folklore through an arrangement that highlights both the region’s cultural heritage and Brockless’s classical influences.
Performed by the Aberdeen-based ensemble Orchestra Nova, Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang brings a unique depth to Shetland’s musical tradition, bridging local folk elements with the refined textures of classical music. The quintet’s interpretation adds a timeless quality to the piece, bringing Brockless’s vision to life in a way that remains faithful to Shetland’s folklore while introducing it to new audiences through a classical lens.
Brockless’s journey with Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang began as a deeply personal one. The arrangement was originally conceived as a birthday gift for his mother, who shares his love for Shetland’s folk music. This gift formed part of a larger suite, which included a string arrangement of his father’s Toccata For An Occasion, an organ composition with a bold and celebratory spirit, and Berceuse, a gentle lullaby that reflects Brockless’s own compositional style. While these pieces were initially shared only within the family, Brockless felt the broader resonance in Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang warranted its release to a wider audience.
Adrian’s connection to music is rooted in a rich family heritage. His father, Brian Brockless, was a revered figure in British classical music, known for his contributions to Renaissance music revival and collaborations with prominent orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic and the English Chamber Orchestra. His aunt, Pauline Brockless, was a renowned soprano who performed with iconic composers and conductors, including Ralph Vaughan Williams and Sir Malcolm Sargent at the Royal Albert Hall. This profound musical legacy gave Brockless a foundational understanding of classical traditions, which he seamlessly integrates with his love for regional folk music.
From his early years, Brockless was immersed in the world of classical music. As a chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral and later Head Chorister at Guildford Cathedral, he experienced the discipline and beauty of choral music, which has continued to shape his compositional style. This rigorous training allowed him to develop a profound appreciation for Renaissance choral traditions, but Brockless’s influences are wide-ranging, including the works of French composer Olivier Messiaen and even British pop icons Oasis and The Beatles. This diverse range of inspirations, from liturgical choral music to modern rock, has allowed Brockless to forge a distinct musical voice that merges traditional and contemporary elements.
Brockless’s move to Shetland introduced fresh inspiration and a new direction in his music. Surrounded by the rugged landscapes and rich traditions of Shetland, he found himself drawn to the island’s musical history. Da Sealkie Wife’s Sangserves as a testament to this connection, blending Shetland’s folk heritage with his classical background. In Shetland, folk music often tells stories of nature, life on the islands, and mythology—themes that Brockless has found compelling. Through his arrangement of Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang, he interprets these themes in a style that resonates with both locals and listeners from afar, making the piece feel both intimate and expansive.
Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang is an arrangement steeped in emotive and atmospheric tones. Orchestra Nova’s performance brings a rich texture to the piece, balancing gentle string melodies with haunting harmonies that evoke Shetland’s mystic landscapes. The quintet’s interpretation emphasizes both the simplicity and the depth of the original tune, honoring Mary-Ellen Odie’s composition while enhancing it with orchestral layers. By blending folk and classical elements, Brockless captures the allure of Shetland’s folklore, particularly the tale of the “selkie”—a mythical creature said to be a seal that can transform into a human. This magical quality permeates the piece, drawing listeners into a story that feels timeless and profound.
This release marks a significant addition to Brockless’s work in honoring and preserving Shetland’s culture through music. It follows his recent work as a producer for an audiobook adaptation of naturalist Bobby Tulloch’s Shetland: An Islander, His Islands and Their Wildlife. This project, which also included two other Shetland folk arrangements, demonstrates Brockless’s commitment to expanding the reach of Shetland’s cultural heritage, using both audio and music to capture the spirit of the islands.
Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang stands as part of this larger effort, bringing Shetland’s traditional music to a global audience while preserving its authenticity. For Brockless, the piece is not just a song—it’s a bridge between his classical training and his deep appreciation for the cultural landscape of his new home.
Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang is now available on all major streaming platforms, offering listeners everywhere the chance to experience this blend of Shetland’s folk tradition and Brockless’s classical artistry. For those interested in Shetland’s culture, or simply drawn to music that captures emotion and place, this single provides an immersive journey into the heart of Shetland.
Brockless’s work serves as a reminder of how music can bridge worlds, bringing together diverse influences and heritages to create something wholly new and resonant. As he continues to compose and collaborate, Adrian Brockless is sure to contribute further to both the classical and folk music landscapes, enriching the connection between personal heritage and shared cultural experience.
Connect with ADRIAN BROCKLESS on
English