Hyperion Records

The Ricercar (Aeolian) is built on a similarly grand scale to the two Fantasias. Although there is still one main theme, whose return in augmentation and then diminution marks the large-scale structure, it also generates several subsidiary ones. The richness of part-writing is maintained for a much greater proportion of the piece, with only a brief spell of two-part writing. We can also see cross-fertilisation with other forms, particularly the echo fantasia and an even greater variety of accompanimental figuration, including lively dotted and triplet rhythms.

from notes by Stephen Westrop © 2003