CCMusic.com

The name Elisabeth Lutyens is synonymous with music that is overtly serial, uncompromisingly modernist, and of daring and fearless individuality. Yet there is much to explore behind the naturally combative and provocative façade of this extraordinary composer, whose music is at various times sensual, thoughtful and delicate, as well as dark, turbulent and even violent. With a programme of works all composed in the last decade of her life, and containing world premiere recordings, the first volume of pianist Martin Jones's survey of Lutyens's piano works includes five works at times startling in their stark beauty, and bursting with both vivid imagery and lyrical fluidity.