William Bolcom, named ‘2007 Composer of the Year’ by Musical America, has written in many genres. His Gospel Preludes, based on hymns, are amongst his most fascinating and compulsive works. Bold, brilliant, sometimes bizarre, but always hugely enjoyable, the Preludes vary widely, sometimes adorned by jazzy chords and rich swing, sometimes exuding tour-de-force brilliance or—when the music is quiet and reflective—possessed of a mesmeric reassurance. The GRAMMY^® Award-winning Naxos recording of Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and Experience is available on 8.559216–18.