For contemporary composers, the creative tension of wanting to express yourself through music often involves a constant push and pull between the traditional and the modern. Tom Henry is not only one of our own local composers, but he also walks that line with finesse. A composer with a breadth of compositional powers, this album highlights his solo piano works. Originally a flautist, he studied both here and overseas before fully turning to composition, completing a PhD under one of our other favourite composers, Stuart Greenbaum.

This album is a true blend of traditional styles, with references to Bach and Mendelssohn alongside delicious allusions to modern film soundscapes in the way he uses harmonies. The Piano Sonata No 1 is more angular and shows the strength of his training under Lawrence Whiffin (1930–2012), who himself was taught by a student of the great Arnold Schoenberg. This heritage is more apparent in the later works, with an extra level of compositional prowess. The Piano Sonata No 2 is particularly interesting, having been commissioned by Richard Knafelc for his husband, Grevis Beard. Henry uses a musical representation of the name ‘Grevis Beard’ to create the themes and material in this larger work.

If you have even a passing interest in modern repertoire, or just love a bit of piano music, you must get this album and give your ears a treat.