This digital-only release is a re-issue of a two-disc set from 1982, presenting twentieth-century British works for piano, performed by Erik Parkin.

This was the first recording that Parkin made for Chandos, a perfect start for this pianist who at the time was perhaps best known for his playing of John Ireland. Having built a strong musical partnership with the composer, Parkin knew that ‘Ireland had decided views about the interpretation of his music’, and he was ‘privileged to spend many hours playing to him (and hearing him play)’. According to Parkin, John Ireland’s repertoire is ‘fascinating and frequently neglected’.

John Ireland was the foremost composition teacher of his day, and he had a wide circle of friends, many of whom had also been his pupils. On this set, four piano works by Ireland are framed by pieces by eight composers chosen from among the many who were closely associated with him.