CCMusic.com

Prima Facie releases here the recording premiere of a selection of original solo piano music by Holst, including Prelude and Dance (Faber) composed in the year WWII broke out, along with an equally confident student work, her Theme and Variations (Faber). Holst influenced generations of music students as a teacher, and this recording features two sets of didactic works including Six Pictures from Finland (OUP), and Five Short Pieces (OUP). This release also includes the recording premiere of Two Piano Preludes by Susan Spain-Dunk, who was the second women ever to conduct at the Proms. Two world premieres of a more personal and intimate nature complete this collection, firstly by composer Anna McClure, her For Cal suite reflecting upon the passing of her eldest son. Finally, music by Luke Whitlock, who devised this recording project; his contemplative Prayers and Reflections is a suitable calming way to conclude.