Unfettered by the constraints of longer structures, Lilburn seems to have regarded his short piano pieces (of which there are several collections) as a form of liberation, allowing him to experiment without inhibition. Lilburn's gift for encapsulation is evident in this set, with simple, sensuous and passionate motifs coming together in precisely adjusted balance. A line is drawn though nos. 4 and 5 in the holographic manuscript, and although we have every reason to trust Lilburn's judgement, in this special case they have been restored to their rightful place in the repertory.