| Wishful Thinking is a fun piece for String Quartet, although a string orchestra version is also available. It is generally rhythmical, influenced by the British pop tradition, but with wistful melodies that give the piece a certain classical reference. The briefest mention from the Beatles 'Yesterday' is no more than a fleeting moment of respect, before the typical Johnstone harmonies continue on their way. All the string players have their moments of melodic 'glory', before the piece comes to a most gentle resting point at the end. The sub-title 'Amara, Donostia' refers to the district of San Sebastian where the Basque National Orchestra has its home - the 'Swinging Strings' of this orchestra were the first to promote and record the piece in orchestral form (CD available from 'Creighton's Collection'). |