The presence of a major new composer on the musical scene was signalled by the première of Morgan Hayes’ Viscid at the 1997 Park Lane Group Young Artists Concert Series. Critics responded warmly to its colour, vitality, and strong individuality.

The same qualities are found in Five Distressed Surfaces, a collection of fascinating character studies that also reflect the composer’s skills as a pianist and improvisor.

Though not intended to be played as a suite, the individual pieces are li...