The piano works of Erik Chisholm are always taking a journey around the focus of my "current" music appreciation point (currently trying to become well acquainted with Medtner's large catalog of wonders).
I have 5 CDs of Chisholm's piano works, all performed by the marvelous and devoted Murray McLachlan. There are so many works in this set that are fascinating in different ways. From his best known Piano Sonata in A ("A Red Ribbon"), a true masterpiece, in the astonishingly well-integrated native Scottish influences, transformed into a grand 4 movement Sonata, all the way to the many shorter works with semi-generic titles, this music invigorates me, touching unexpected nerves of my Scottish heritage that was rarely mentioned in my youth.
Technically speaking, even the simplest works are often far from simple. In a similar vein as Bartok and his numerous works for children (of any age), so too are Chisholm's delightful little Airs for Children. But outside the realm of "short works for children", Chisholm explores and exposes his true brilliance as a composer of sophisticated and technically demanding scores. It's hard not to let go when listening to (maybe 30 minutes) of shorter works, and when the real wonders of his major piano works get one (like me) involved, especially with a few drams of a fine Isley SMS to sip, this music really takes me back to the homeland I never knew.
I encourage those seeking some really interesting, brilliantly crafted music, often as demanding as it is beautiful, finely roasted in the heather, honey, peat and ancient, rugged traditions of Scotland, do try to find, even demand, the scores of Erik Chisholm, a challenge in its own sad situation of negligence, and see what you can find!
Erik Chisholm's scores appear to be kept in a "millennium vault", mostly unpublished, but available upon request. His relatives & friends have established a "Erik Chisholm Society" and will provide scores (with a MAXIMUM of effort, it seemed to me) on request. It seems that most of his scores have yet to be published.
I'm presenting excerpts of a couple of Chisholm's 24 preludes "From the True Edge of the Great World", a fascinating reflection on aspects of the many elements responsible for a "core reflection" of Scotland. Since I've never had the opportunity to visit, I'm just telling a tale from own desires. Maybe Alistair has some opinions worth sharing that I could never approach, as he is a true Scotsman (despite his name

).
Enjoy!
"Never been to Orkney, but would wish my ashes tossed in the bay."