You won’t find much in a catalogue of recorded works by Sydney composer Raymond Hanson (1913-1976). In fact, until this excellent two-disc set of his complete piano works was released, you would only find one album – a 2008 Tall Poppies release of his music for violin and piano.

His obscurity is illustrated by the fact that of the 14 works on this new album – played superbly by Australian-Sierra Leonean pianist Tonya Lemoh – 11 of them are world premiere recordings. They cover a comprehensive range, from a dramatic piano sonata, a sonatina and a substantial set of variations to miniatures and exercises for students.

As the leading lecturer in composition at the NSW Conservatorium of Music Hanson influenced a whole generation of Australian composers and performers, including Larry Sitsky, Nigel Butterly, Richard Meale, Don Burrows and Roger Woodward. He was an accomplished concert pianist and some of his works were performed by the likes of Walter Gieseking and Rudolf Firkusny. Part of the reason his music became neglected is that his scores only existed in manuscript form in the Sydney Conservatorium, but more likely he was shunned for his opposition...