BARBARA PARTLAND (1912-2000): Toccata, 5 Ephemera, Tenebrae, Dirge, From Long Ago, Vita brevis, Horizons.

Description: An interesting composer who was also an accomplished pianist, Pentland wrote idiomatically and with obvious confidence for her instrument, largely avoiding the textures and harmonic richness of the romantic piano style in favor of a leaner, more linear approach. She clearly evolved in step with trends in 20th-century music; the works from the 1940s and '50s display elements of freely treated serial techniques and the influence of Stravinsky. A tendency toward neoclassicism also emerges, along with a freer, more lyrical style in later years. The works from the 1970s and 80s find the composer investigating some extended playing techniques involving direct contact on the strings and resonating harmonics for sonorous effect. Barbara Pritchard (piano).