Scriabin’s Op.37 is a set of 4 preludes which perfectly illustrate his evolving musical style, moving away from the influence of Chopin to something more personal in terms of both harmony and form. Prelude No.3 is a miniature of great expressive beauty with a hint of the ethereal qualities that would define his later works.

Debussy wrote his beautiful La plus que lente, (‘the slower than slow’) as a gentle parody of the sentimental valse lentes which were very fashionable in the early part of the 20th century.

Published originally as Ballade Slave the work was revised in 1903 and renamed simply Ballade. It is a testament to Debussy’s gift for musical storytelling with a simple melody which transforms melancholy to exuberance.

Subtitled “Russian Rustic Scene,” Dumka is notable for its dramatic contrasts: slow, meditative passages are interwoven with lively, dance-like sections which were inspired by Russian folk music.

Bowen was dubbed “the English Rachmaninoff” for his lush harmonies and romantic style – both of which are demonstrated in the languid and beautiful second dance.

Based on Chopin’s short, simple and much loved Prelude in A major, Op. 28, No. 7. Mompou’s 12 variations began as a cello/piano collaboration but later became a solo piano work. It is a very personal homage – full of variety and vim – which blends Mompou’s at times almost-jazzy minimalist and impressionist Catalan style with the very essence of Chopin.