Most of the works on this disc date from the 1960s, when Stefan Wolpe reduced the complexity of his music and became fascinated by classical modes of thought that he had at one time rejected. His String Quartet lies on the border between composition and improvisation, while the Trio is a constantly shifting kaleidoscope of musical shapes. The Piece for Oboe, Cello, Percussion and Piano of 1954 uses unorthodox sound sources such as biscuit tins and a kitchen grater, and was described by the composer as “tight, wild, fluctuous, sometimes moist and like burning air”.