Robert Schumann’s piano cycle Kinderszenen evokes the world of childhood in 13 simple and apparently artless movements. The six movements of Scenes from Childhood take their lead from that earlier piece, and are characterised by a directness and naivety of expression. ‘In the Forest’ makes extensive use of horn calls; ‘Hocket Dance’ consists of a melody which is repeated in a variety of presentations, with the viola and harp frequently alternating; and ‘In the Mountains’ evokes Edvard Grieg’s depictions of the Norwegian landscape. These movements are interspersed with three lullabies, two of which were written on the occasions of the birth of my two children. ‘Lullaby 3 (for Rowan)’ also appears in my cantata Nativity, in which context it depicts the birth of Jesus.