Pierre Boulez’s early ambitions to become a concert pianist provided the impetus to write piano music as a composition student at the Paris Conservatoire. The Thème et variations pour la main gauche and Trois Psalmodies reveal his extraordinary talent in their compelling mix of energy, drama and playfulness. Presenting these works alongside two later compositions provides a unique glimpse into the full arc of Boulez’s musical journey. These pieces are powerful, their emotions raw and unfiltered, offering listeners a chance to experience the early foundations and mature reflections of a master composer.

Acclaimed pianist and Boulez specialist Ralph van Raat brings us yet another recording from Amsterdam’s fine Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ concert hall. This follows on from van Raat’s album French Piano Rarities (8573894), considered ‘a trove of little-known gems’ by The New York Times, which contained an exclusive recording of Boulez’s hitherto unknown student work Prélude, Toccata et Scherzo.