In 1913 Lili Boulanger became the first woman to win the Prix de Rome and this work is part of her small but significant output. Sometimes referred to as “Morceaux pour piano” the piece consists of a theme, followed by eight variations which move through a wide spectrum of emotions. Boulanger’s career was tragically cut short by her death at the age of just 24.

Medtner was a Russian composer and pianist – a younger contemporary of Rachmaninoff and Scriabin, Op.47 is a monumental work. The piece is based on the theme “The Song of the Water-Nymph.” Its sixteen variations which take performer and listener on a rich and varied musical journey have titles such as “Caprice,” “Enchantment,” “On the Waves,” and “Storm.”

The second in Rachmaninoff’s set of nine Études-Tableaux, this étude evokes the sea and seagulls with the left hand’s flowing triplets suggesting the restless movement of the waves, while the right hand’s duplets evoke the cries of the seagulls. It is notable for its use of the Dies Irae chant—a recurring motif in Rachmaninoff’s works.

Debussy once wrote “I love pictures almost as much as music”. Images Book 1&2 are two sets of evocative pieces that illustrate his ability to paint pictures and create visions within his compositions.

Educated as a classical musician Bill Evans chose to become a jazz pianist, using his classical background to create his very own style. Peace Piece was an allegedly unrehearsed composition he played at the end of the recording day for his LP ‘Everybody Digs Bill Evans’. With its huge debt to Chopin’s ‘Berceuse’, it has been hailed as one of the most beautiful and evocative of piano works.

Ligeti’s piano études are widely regarded as some of the most significant and challenging works in the modern piano repertoire and blend extreme technical demands with real emotional power.