I have always been deeply moved by Ave Maria, a piece which grew out of a masterpiece by J.S. Bach, the Prelude in C. One century later another composer, Gounod, added the melody. The result is a fusion of genius across centuries and countries - countries which have fought each other ferociously at various times in European history. The symbolism for humanity incapsulated in this moving tune is significant.

Beclard d'Harcourt must have had a fascinating time travelling in Peru during a time when travelling and tourism had not yet become so popular there. This collection of folk tunes, titled Chants Peruviens, is charming in its expressive scope, honesty and integrity. The people of South America have had a painful history that seems to have eradicated all but their strong sense of identity and this is felt very strongly in their music. Almost everyone there plays an instrument of some sort, even if they live in total poverty - something that cannot be said about some other cultures.

In Ireland Fantasy was written by Hamilton Harty, who used to conduct the Hallé Orchestra. The piece starts with an expansive, nostalgic introduction eventually giving way to two dances, the first of which seems slightly militaristic but which soon gives way to more traditional folkloric rhythms and harmonies. The exuberance of the Irish spirit is in evidence throughout, ending in a flamboyant climax.

Lebanon was indeed a sad and broken place in the late 70s. Boghos Gelalian, one of Lebanon's most prominent composers, lived in a part of Beirut that was under constant bombardment for many years. In spite of this he managed to write Quatre Jeux for me in 1979 and I have played it in several countries ever since. This piece takes the form of a simple motive that gets repeated in many different ways across four movements. Many Arabic moods and scales feature as part of the expressive language of this piece.

We decided we could not leave out this exquisite Lullaby from the Chugoku Area, a piece that I confess to knowing very little about - that doesn't stop me loving it!

Jacque Ibert was a Frenchman and one of this century's leading composers, but there is nothing French about Entre'Acte. This piece is completely inspired by Spain, depicting the rhythmic and melodic flair of Flamenco. The fact that people can identify with (and indeed thrive in) other countries' traditions and cultures is a source of great encouragement and hope to mankind. We need not feel trapped by our heritage - on the contrary: we can take joy from experiencing the diversity that exists between civilisations, thus appreciating our own heritage even more.

Sakura Sakura (Cherry Blossom) is well known around the world. The cherry blossom possesses a unique and peculiar magic in the way it so fleetingly erupts into blossom every year, before returning to its stark and bare look. This intense and fleeting beauty is expressed beautifully here and is all the more haunting in its curiously timeless setting - there is once again a real sense of stillness and acceptance.

The second collection of South American Dances I have chosen all come from 2 books published by Trevor Wye. These are a set of extremely lively dances, perhaps coming from the larger cities of Venezuela. These are less "ethnic" than the folk-based Peruvian tunes, but are full of exciting rhythms and tunes of this part of the world.

Wissam Boustany