His keen understanding of the interplay between sound and ambience makes Edmund Finnis an ideal advocate for that genre of reflective pianism exemplified by Youth. This album is an 11-track digital EP and makes for a parallel to its composer’s thoughts and contemplations, as well as being testament to the friendship between Finnis and pianist Clare Hammond, who has performed it on various occasions and here plays it with an appreciation and understanding that come with such lengthy involvement.

Youth starts with the undulating figuration of ‘Bloom’, then proceeds with ricocheting arabesques in ‘Spin’ and – in homage to the American abstract expressionist artist – plaintive lyricism in ‘Frankenthaler’. The limpid arpeggios of ‘Stream of Days’ head into the overlapping phrases of ‘Serried Ridges’, before the ominous patterns of ‘Coenties Slip’ reflect its transformation from a once bohemian suburb of Manhattan into a financial hub; contrast comes with the arching contours of ‘Hammershøi Windows’, after the Danish artist whose paintings visually anticipate ambient music. A Netherlandic region rich in history is referenced by the intricate passagework of ‘Buren’, before the poetic gestures of ‘Heath’ make way for the interwoven motifs of ‘Helsinki Patterns’ and a tranquillity that is by no means bland or uninvolving.

As an encore, Lullaby for Emmeline yields a calm yet searching expression that reflects its genesis in the birth of Hammond’s daughter. It is an appealing way to round off a collection that warrants further instalments in due course.

This review originally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of International Piano. Never miss an issue – subscribe today