Rondino from Occasional Pieces for Piano (1942-73)

This collection of sketches, studies and personal tributes was brought together for publication in 1975. Written mainly for amateurs, these pieces weave a personal narrative, giving voice to the gratitude of friendship, the fold of landscape and the articulation of musical tradition.

The Four Preludes (1948-60) and several other works in the collection explore iconic musical heritage including Bartók and the Eastern European tradition in the third prelude, Chopin's mazurkas in the fourth, gypsy bands in the Rondino and Schubert in the Andante and Adagio sostenuto (the sombre mood of the latter could trace the lonely lover in Winterreise trudging through the snow).