Paul Lewis – Impromptu (Flute, Violin or Harmonica & Piano)

The title Seren Y Nos is Welsh for Star of the Night. This atmospheric piece by Rebecca Faith is based on a simple bass line made up of three chords but the overall result is quite complex. There are two main themes, the first heard on the piano, the second introduced by the flute - these two themes are then layered, inverted and heard in different ranges, timbres and textures to create a sound that goes far beyond two simple themes. The result is a magical sound that has a distinct enchanting impression of a vast open space, hence the title Star of the Night.

Another delightful piece by English composer Martin Yates.

Starting peacefully and calmly Valse Semplice is followed by a variation of mood swings and melodies before returning to the valse. The Gipsy Rondo represents an atmospheric Hungarian scene, and When Autumn Comes starts with a nostalgic main melody describing autumn having arrived, before chasing through the falling leaves.

In this arrangement the exploration of register and alternative harmonies, together with the sustain pedal, creates an image of sound reverberation in open spaces. The piano's open fifths in the middle of the piece gives an eastern feel. Rebecca Faith has added a new original theme alongside the main melody that gives a fresh unique quality - this theme immediately sets the atmosphere in the piano introduction and is later heard more powerfully on the flute, returning at the close of the piece in the high register of the piano creating a music box like feel.