National Orchestra of Wales
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite
Prelude, Song of the Fisherman; II, Danco of the Marionettes.
Interlude, Song of the Fisherman; III, Dance under the Cherry Tree.
Finale, Dance of the Wolves.

This was written as a series of short dances for a ballet produced by the Japanese dancer, Michio Ito, at the London Coliseum in 1916. He supplied all the themes (which are from native sources), except that of the Marionettes' Dance, which is of the composer's invention.
The Song of the Fisherman. This is a plaintive melody, which the Harp denotes.
Dance of the Marionettes. This has an appropriately jerky rhythm in twotime, three bits to a beat.
Interlude. A short slow section, founded on the Fisherman's Song.
Dance under the Cherry Tree. A dainty, light Movement started by the Flute.
Finale, Dance of the Wolves. This works up to a fine climax of excitement, the Xylophone and Gong helping things along.
After Butterfly and her American lover Pinkerton are married, to the horror and wrath of her uncle and other relatives, Pinkerton dismisses the excited crowd, and comforts the distressed and weeping Butterfly. The bride puts on her wedding garment, and an impassioned love scene brings the Act to an end.