Variations on an English Pastoral Theme is based on the tune "Brother James's Air." At the heart of the piece is the opening violin solo melody, which is rather free-form in a wistful, quasi-improvisatory folk style-as if played while sitting outdoors on a rock. The melody wanders in and out of modal territory in the manner of early 20th century English string suites. Subsequent variations feature guitar-like accompaniment, duets, fragments of melodic material for each instrument, and a wide range of sweeping dynamic contrasts. The piece closes quietly, as it began, but in a new key with the solo in the cello.