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Programme Note

Divisions on a Ground was a favoured cyclic form in the Baroque era. A short bassline with appropriate chords is obstinately repeated as a basis for constant melodic development. The form can be perceived as a picture of the never-ending cycle of life, whether it be the unpretentious 'La folia' or the deeply tragic 'When I Am Laid in Earth'. In 'Ground', a sequence of seven chords creates such a basis, although this is not as clearly perceptible as in the baroque examples of the form.

The role of the baroque division was often to highlight the astounding virtuosity of the soloist. This piece contains indeed a high grade of virtuosity, but it is hardly the central issue. 'Ground' is about finding rest.