Nos. 2 & 3 of Four Short Pieces

Once chiefly esteemed for the radicalism of his late style, Frank Bridge is no less admired today for his earlier works written in a polished romantic idiom tailored both to the taste of his audience and the capabilities of his performers.

The Four Short Pieces for violin and piano of 1912 are a perfect flowering of these gifts. WithMeditationandCountry Dancefrom the set already published separately by Stainer & Bell, the release ofSpring SongandLullabyas a pair makes the complete collection now available.

Spring Songis a charming aubade in the manner of ElgarsChanson de Matin, but with a piquant modality also redolent of Gabriel Faurs salon style. The smoothly eloquent melody ofLullabyshowcases vibrato, evenness of tone and bowing control.