Lyric Pieces (with Barcarolle)

The title perhaps sets up expectations which might initially appear to be met but which may then be frustrated. A brief introduction built on a fragile D Major triad dissolves into three linked main movements each of which is more, or less lyric in character. The second is a 'barcarolle' (or perhaps the nauseated shadow of one), a (false?) memory of Venice. The third sets the piano to the fore, building a wall of harmony against which the other instruments struggle to be heard. At every stage an essentially tonal line is present - but one which becomes violently twisted, warped and stretched, as if to breaking point.