Alan Rawsthome was born in Haslingden, Lancashire, in May 1905. After abortive sorties into dentistry and architecture he entered the Royal Manchester College of Music. He gained his first notable success in 1938 with a performance of his Theme and Variations for Two Violins. After serving in the war, Rawsthorne devoted himself to composition until his death in 1971. Though not prolific, he produced a number of substantial works in most of the established forms including film music. Rawsthorne’s Piano Concerto No. 1, first performed in 1939, exhibits many of his characteristics: tonal fluidity, economy and clarity of means, and wit. His Second Piano Concerto was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain, for performance during the Festival of Britain in 1951 and was designed to exploit the resources of both the piano and the pianist.