Coleridge-Taylor was, briefly, one of the great superstars of fin de siècle British music making. His choral work, Hiawatha's Wedding Feast from 1898, the first in a trilogy on the Hiawatha theme, was one of the most popular choral pieces of its day, performed nearly as often as Elijah. Alas, having signed away his publishing rights of the work, Coleridge-Taylor paid for this for the rest of his short life by having to churn out light musical works and take on an arduous teaching schedule. Despite this, he wrote some really intriguing, serious works in the mix. (To be clear, the lighter stuff is, indeed, incredibly pleasant to listen to, if a little saccharine at moments.)

This recording presents four of Coleridge-Taylor's piano works, three suites and one stand-alone work. The suites are pleasant, indeed, but it is the standalone Moorish Dance, op. 55 from 1904 that really stands out. The sweep of Coleridge-Taylor's flair and artistry really comes to the fore in this short, engaging work.