Lloyd: The Aggressive Fishes for Solo Piano

The Aggressive Fishes (1972) was inspired by Karl Lorenz's account of experiments with tropical fishes. According to the composer, 'They are wonderfully beautiful creatures, but very vicious and aggressive, so I tried to describe the languor and the laziness and the sudden bursts of violence'. Lloyd creates an aptly fluid, aqueous soundscape, which returns in the closing stages of the piece. In the main, central section, he takes the listener on a colourful journey, full of unexpected flights of fancy, in one of his most impressionistic pieces.