‘The art of composition is never completed. It is a lifetime’s continuing pursuit,’ wrote the American composer, Walter Piston. Born in 1894, he was a self-taught violinist, pianist and saxophonist, who earned his living playing in dance halls, hotels and restaurants. He was twenty-six before he began to study composition, eventually moving to Paris as a pupil of Dukas and Nadia Boulanger. Though his music was influenced by their teaching, his individuality and Americanism are evident throughout his works. Central to his output were eight fine symphonies, two violin concertos, and the famous ballet, The Incredible Flutist. Most of his chamber music came from his later life, and combines his ready sense of good humour with an attractively melodic content.