Lakeland Summer Nights is an early work composed in 1948 whilst the composer was a student at what was then the Royal Manchester College of Music, now the RNCM. It is one of only a few pieces he wrote for piano. Of the original three movements, the first two were later used in the orchestral piece 'Northern Summer Nights'. Op.18 and for this work Butterworth composed an entirely new extended last movement.

The ancient legend of Undiné, a water-sprite who yearned to marry a human in order to achieve an immortal soul, exists widely in the folk-lore of northern Europe. The legend was retold by Friedrich de la Motte Fouque in his novel ‘Undiné’ published in Germany in 1811. It made a great impact upon its readers and became the inspiration for music, ballets, plays, art, and poetry. An English translation with fine illustrations by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) became similarly popular with many 19th-century children in the English-speaking world.

This attractive short piece captures the ethereal, airy quality of Arthur Rackham’s illustrations.

Undiné leaves her watery kingdom and is adopted by an old fisherman and his wife who have lost their own child. She meets the knight Huldbrand, who seeks shelter at the fisherman’s cottage and the two fall in love. Only when Undiné marries him does she reveal that she is not human. By the marriage Undiné gains a soul but when Huldbrand is subsequently unfaithful she is compelled to return to her watery element.

Duration c.4 minutes.

This is a reduction for trumpet and piano of the concerto commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in commemoration of its 40th Anniversary in 1992. The concerto was also scored for orchestra. Full score and parts for both brass band and orchestral versions are available from Comus.

Duration c.21 minutes.

A fine three movement sonata composed in 1997. The central movement is a vivacious scherzo, framed by a lyrical, somewhat melancholy, first movement and a captivating final Barcarolle.

The piano score is supplied with parts for Tenor horn in E flat and Horn in F.

Duration c.17 minutes.

Partita is popular with students and professionals alike – chosen as a test piece in many prestigious competitions and featuring in concert programmes and recordings by some of the world's finest players.

The piano score includes a part in both Bb (treble) and C (bass).

Watch a performance on YouTube

Duration c.8‐9 minutes.

In the manner of the characteristic 'romantic' pieces of Schumann, these three lyric pieces exploit the more introspective and poetic nature of the instrument.

Duration 11‐12 minutes

An eloquent and rewarding work in which the composer reveals his love and understanding of the viola.

There is a fine recording by Morgan Goff (viola) and Raphael Terroni (piano) on Dutton CDLX 7164. The CD is available from Comus Edition.

Duration c. 19 minutes.

This is a reduction for viola and piano of one of the composer's finest concertos and one of his most personal works. It was first performed in 1993 to mark Butterworth's 70th year, and has been recorded by Sarah-Jane Bradley with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra conducted by the composer. In the recording the Concerto is coupled with Butterworth's 1st and 4th Symphonies on two discs (Dutton Epoch CD LX 7212).

A full score and orchestral parts are available for hire.

Duration c. 35 minutes.

A short lyrical piece with a somewhat darker central episode.

Duration c. 5‐6 minutes.

Three short and attractive pieces in a 'romantic' vein which may be performed individually or as a group.

Duration 11‐12 minutes

These three short pieces have been transcribed from the composer's original version for tuba. Two bass parts provide for both solo and orchestral tuning.

Duration 11‐12 minutes

Composed for the National School Band Association with the school ensemble in mind.

Although primarily intended for brass quartet these four movements can be performed with woodwind or with a mixed ensemble.

Total duration c.6 minutes

Composed for the National School Band Association with the school ensemble in mind.

A Pavan, Galliard and Jig in the style of the Tudor period.

Total duration c.6 minutes

An entertaining piece which draws its inspiration from the Scherzo of Beethoven's 7th Symphony.

Duration c.6 mins