The opening movement of Helps’ Piano Quartet for piano and strings, which the composer permits as a separate solo.
Helps admits the influences of Messiaen and Ligeti, which here emit a strange glow of harmonic riches and formal structure. This commentator is reminded of Edward Gorey’ exquisite lines, “A fugitive and lurid gleam/Obliquely gilds the gliding stream.”
Duration: 7 minutes
