Palmer writes that a Mediterranean or Latin quality is pervasive in Walton's work, and in Siesta explicitly refers to Italy – "an Italian street-scene drawn or sketched in deftly evocative strokes".
[4] Walton made a transcription of the piece for piano four hands in 1928, and lightly revised the original orchestral work in 1962.
In the more richly scored centre of the work, the horns play an Italian street song in E major, before the return of the opening theme.
[6] Frederick Ashton used Walton's score as the basis of his 1936 Siesta – a Pas de deux, first given at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London, with Robert Helpmann and Pearl Argyle as principals.
[7] Ashton later produced Siesta – a new Pas de deux, presented on 28 July 1972 at the Aldeburgh Festival with Vyvyan Lorrayne and Barry McGrath as principals, as part of a seventieth birthday tribute to Walton.