House of Dreams might be described as a non-narrative work, structured as three contrasting pas de deux and a finale (Passepied), set to four equally contrasting and colourful piano pieces by Debussy. For me though, it is a much more personal work than that description might imply, comprising reflections or “dreams" on aspects of intimate relationships: love, joy, tenderness, playfulness, passion, trust, betrayal, abandonment, loss and its profound pain and despair. In choosing these four beautiful, intimate and intensely personal piano pieces by Debussy, in particular the two central Préludes, I have been concerned to create a musical sound world that allows for the expression of these reflections and dreams and that also creates its own sense of a musical and emotional narrative and journey. Michael Corder
