This was (for me) unusually long in the making: as one grows as a composer, one's ears change, they hear and expect different things. I like to think have learned (since the first version of the piece appeared in 1998) to make the notes 'work harder'. I have since revised it heavily for publication, and there are numerous differences, small and large, between this final version and the Morgan/Dullea recording in Convivium.

I have since cut a long slow introduction to the finale, now entitled 'Toccata spettrale' which I think of as both scurrying and exuberant: this is preceded by a melodious Intermezzo and an elaborate, fast (rather Brahmsian) sonata allegro. I found it an extremely tricky medium to HEAR and 'get right': there is virtually no blend between the instruments, so the 'verticals' need great care in order to sound well.I am now, I think, satisfied with the piece, and it's time to let it go...