Helen, Countess of Rador was a close friend to Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848-1918), who composed this work in 1894 for string orchestra following a commission from the countess. Known for doing things seen as improper for a Victorian Lady to entertain herself, Lady Radnor would frequently commission works for her chamber orchestra, which she would then conduct herself in London. The Lady Radnor’s Suite in F Major is one such work, which she premiered on June 29, 1894, at St. James Hall. Parry modeled the suite on early classical dance movements, with each of the six movements preserving the traditional dance styles while incorporating Parry’s unique English harmonic language. Movements: 1. Prelude, 2. Allemande, 3. Sarabande, 4. Bourr�e, 5. Slow Minuet, 6. Gigue. A string count of 8-8-5-5-5 is included in the set.