The musical structure as one moves through this set progressively reveals a larger unity. The fourth prelude is known independently as 'From the Port Hills', which is a topographical reference to the Christchurch landscape; the hushed chords and ambient modalities create a warming nimbus, and this special envelope of sound sustains from first to last. Noel Newson premiered Five Bagatelles on 12 December 1942 at a concert presented by the Royal Christchurch Musical Society. A recording of Lilburn playing 'From the Port Hills' exists in the National Sound Archives.