I wanted to write some unaccompanied pieces of a light-hearted nature, slightly tongue in cheek, which used similar melodic shaps, implied harmonic progressions, varied rhythmic ideas and overall structures as the Bach and Telemann. Contrasting dynamics and articulations abound, and I have toyed with the phrase shapes which give rise to variety and sligthly irregular nature of some of the climaxes and anti-climaxes throught the pieces.

Although something of a misnomer taking into account the light-hearted nature of the collection in general, one could describe these pieces as studies.

The first bagatelle is a spirited kind of gigue; the second is a scherzo-like interlude which contrasts pizzicato with arco playing; the thrid is a passionate nocturne full of light and shade with plenty of scope for legato cantabile playing; and the final bagatelle is a humorous parody of a goavotte.

The Bagatelles were firt performed by Esen-Nikolas Gjylaci at a composers’ concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff in March, 2003.

Total duration: 10 minutes.

First published by Oriana Publications Limited, Wales in 2006.