Naji Hakim: Quatre Études-caprices(for pedal solo)

Alphonse Leduc; available through United Music Publishers

£15.30

This set of four pieces was commissioned by Birmingham City Council for Thomas Trotter in 2000. These fast-moving pieces predictably present the player with considerable technical demands. The first is a bouncy piece in arched form and the second more declamatory in style. The third, a badinerie with a Stravinskian theme, and the last a toccata. The end of the score quotes Hebrews12:12 'Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees…'!

AR