ANATOL LIADOV (1855-1918): Variations on a Polish Folktune, Op. 51, Marionettes, Op. 29, 3 Pieces, Op. 11, 2 Pieces, Op. 24, 3 Pieces, Op. 57, Little Waltz, Op. 26, 3 Preludes, Op. 36, A Musical Snuff-Box, Op. 32, Barcarolle, Op. 44, 4 Pieces, Op. 64, Variations on a Theme of Glinka, Op. 35.

Description: These are all little exquisite polished jewels all immaculately crafted and immensely satisfying to hear. The biggest surprise in this collection are the late (1909-10) Four Pieces, which pay obvious homage to the harmonic language that Scriabin was investigating around this time. The earlier works, including the two large sets of variations are much more harmonically conventional, but full of delightful invention and a genuine mastery of the instrument. Stephen Coombs (piano). Original 1998 Hyperion release.