Larry Bell’s Reminiscences
and Reflections Op.46, subtitled
Twelve Preludes and Fugues, were
composed intermittently between 1993
and 1998. The title is partly justified
by the fact that the half of the set
reminisces on material heard in some
of the composer’s other works. For example,
the Prelude and Fugue in F (No. 6) was
the model for the second movement of
the Bassoon Concerto The Sentimental
Muse Op.45 completed in 1967
( N/S R1031 review).
The Prelude Habanera and Fugue
in C sharp (No.2) are elaborations on
the first movement of Song and
Dance Op.44 (also on N/S R 1031),
whereas the Preludes and Fugues in G
(No.8), in A flat (No.9) and in A (No.10)
are the ‘piano models’ of the second,
third and fourth movements of Song
and Dance. The Fugue in A also
provided the conclusion of Four
Pieces in Familiar Style Op.41
for two violins (N/S R 1033 review).
The Fugue in B flat (No.11) is adapted
from the first movement of Mahler
in Blue Light Op.43 - Barking
Dog BDR 2181 also reviewed
here some time ago. Finally, the Prelude
and Fugue in F sharp not only refers
to River of Ponds Op.25
for cello and piano ( N/S R 1018 review)
but also to the preceding Prelude and
Fugue in F (No.6). The remaining Preludes
and Fugues were written independently
of any other music by the composer.
It would be idle to
go through each Prelude and Fugue in
detail. Suffice to say that the whole
cycle is a very attractive and nicely
contrasted set of miniatures, all superbly
crafted and cast in a colourful, accessible
idiom. The music can be fully appreciated
without any prior knowledge of the various
connections with the other pieces mentioned.
Bell’s Reminiscences and Reflections
Op.46 is a welcome addition
to the already long series of Preludes
and Fugues. It should be avidly picked
up by any pianist willing to add a less
familiar, but rewarding and enjoyable
set to his/her repertoire.
Jonathan Bass plays
superbly throughout and proves an eminent
and convincing advocate of Bell’s consistently
fine and attractive music.
Hubert Culot
Jonathan Bass (piano) 
