George Walker’s unique collection of piano music ranges across his long career. The three sonatas heard here, in this the first of two volumes of Walker’s complete piano works, offer compelling contrasts. Sonata no.1 is his longest and utilises folk tunes, no.2 is darker and unified by tonal relationships, whilst no.3 displays contrapuntal mastery and translucent elements. Both Spatials and Spektra are atonal – the former athletic and compressed, the latter vivid and colorful. The album opens with Prelude and Caprice – a serene and majestic early work.

Steinway Artist Alexandre Dossin’s recordings for Naxos include three acclaimed releases for the Liszt Complete Piano Music series: ‘These are luscious performances. Dossin is sensitive to every nuance; and, if we do miss the voice, the piano is far from a mere substitute. As with Star Trek’s Borg, “resistance is futile”. Embrace this fully. You will not be disappointed’ (American Record Guide on 8574106).

He played in two albums of Kabalevsky piano music: ‘He has the sensitivity and flair for the poetic moments as well as the drive and excitement necessary’ (ClassicsToday.com on 8570822).

Fanfare also applauded his performance in Bernstein’s piano works (8559756): ‘Alexandre Dossin’s luminous, expansive playing is a great delight from the beginning to the end of this disc. With his wonderful technical control… and with his breadth of imagination… he serves up these little fragments to their brilliant best advantage’.