“This is music of severe technical demands that should be labelled ‘Warning. Professional stunt pianist used. Do not try playing these works in your home.’ That pianist is Raymond Clarke, dedicatee of Pickard’s Sonata and conqueror of Ronald Stevenson’s Passacaglia on DSCH among other recorded accomplishments. This CD is almost unthinkable without his expertise and persistence; the rhythms have to be acutely etched to keep the high-strung tensions tight and rewarding. Clarke is the man here.”