Three Impressionist Sketches (B11a)

The trio of piano compositions known as 'September Sunlight', 'Thamesnight', and 'Kaleidoscope – Matinée Musicale' were created in the fall of 1981. Each title is connected to real-life occurrences from that period. 'September Sunlight' recalls a North Downs sunset in Kent, while 'Thamesnight' is the musical representation of a South Bank firework show disrupted by rain. In 'Thamesnight', the 'Thames' motif, analogous to Smetana's 'Vltava', subtly transforms into the initial part of Brahms's 4th Symphony in the serene key of G major.