The Norwegian composer Eyvind Alnæs (1872–1932) grew up in Fredrikstad, south-east of Oslo, where his father was headmaster of the local school and conductor of the church choir. He studied in Oslo and in Leipzig with Carl Reinecke, teacher of Sinding and Grieg, who were themselves warm supporters of Alnaes.

He began his career as an organist, accompanist and choral conductor in Oslo, first attracting attention as a composer in 1891. But his output remained small, due to financial hardship and the demands of his professional commitments - he is best known for his hymn arrangements and art-song.

He was also deeply engaged in Norwegian musical life, including positions as president of the Norwegian Composers’ Union, president of TONO, the organisation which protects the rights of Norwegian composers, and a member of the Norwegian Chorale-book Committee.

His piano music shows the influence of Grieg and, likewise, marries an essentially lyric style with the melodies and rhythms of Norwegian folk-music; the later pieces add an awareness of Debussy and French impressionism.

The works on this CD – none of them recorded before – have an immediate appeal and easy charm, as well as occasional stormy virtuosity.