The ancient melodies of Shetland have long captured the imaginations of musicians, and now, a new anthem has been added to this storied tradition. Adrian Brockless, a renowned composer, has breathed new life into the timeless folk tune “Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang,” originally penned by local songstress Mary-Ellen Odie.
Through his collaboration with the esteemed Orchestra Nova, Brockless has struck a poignant chord, blending Shetland’s cultural heritage with the refined sensibilities of classical music. The genesis of this musical masterpiece bears the marks of a deeply personal journey. Initially crafted as a heartfelt birthday gift for his mother, Brockless’ arrangement of “Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang” was part of a trio of compositions, including a string adaptation of his father’s organ piece, Toccata For An Occasion, as well as his own original work, Berceuse.
Little did he know, this intimate gift would soon blossom into a wider release, poised to touch the hearts of the Shetland community and music lovers worldwide. Brockless’ musical pedigree is steeped in tradition, a heritage he proudly inherited from his family. His father, Brian Brockless, was a revered figure in British classical music, celebrated for his contributions to the revival of Renaissance music and collaborations with renowned orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic and English Chamber Orchestra.
His aunt, Pauline Brockless, an accomplished soprano, graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious venues, sharing the spotlight with legends like Ralph Vaughan Williams. Such a lineage has clearly shaped Brockless’ musical outlook, fueling his fascination with Renaissance choral traditions and classical icons such as Olivier Messiaen, in addition to unexpected influences like Oasis and The Beatles.
Brockless’ formative years as a musical prodigy are equally impressive. As a young chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral, and later, as Head Chorister at Guildford Cathedral, he honed his craft, transitioning from performer to composer. These early experiences laid the foundation for his later fascination with composition. The idyllic landscapes of Shetland proved to be a source of endless inspiration for Brockless when he relocated there. It was during this time that “Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang” was born, a musical manifestation of his creative exploration. Through the fusion of local folk traditions and his classical background, Brockless has crafted a veritable masterpiece, poised to leave an indelible mark on the musical world.
This is not the first time that Brockless has breathed new life into Shetland folk tunes. As producer of an audiobook version of renowned naturalist Bobby Tulloch’s book “Shetland: An Islander, His Islands and Their Wildlife,” Brockless also arranged two classical adaptations of local folk tunes, further cementing his deep connection to the rich and vibrant musical landscape of Shetland. “Da Sealkie Wife’s Sang” is now available on all major platforms, beckoning listeners to embark on a journey of discovery, and pay homage to the timeless melodies that have enchanted generations of music lovers.