Edwin York Bowen was an English composer, pianist, organist, violist, horn player, and conductor. Born in London, he began piano studies at an early age. Fascinated by harmony, he devoted himself systematically to exploring its possibilities. As an exceptionally gifted child Bowen received numerous prizes, distinctions, and scholarships; at the age of fourteen he was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, which he gained again in 1907. Two years later he joined the Academy’s teaching staff.

Over more than fifty years of creative activity, he composed in excess of 160 works, many of which remained unpublished; works have been described by scholars as “a unique blend of romanticism and strong individuality.” Bowen’s output consists almost exclusively of instrumental music and this new recording brings together four of his sonatas for wind instruments with piano accompaniment: Sonata for Oboe and Piano; Sonata for Flute and Piano; Sonata for Horn and Piano and Sonata for Clarinet and Piano.