Celebrated for books such as The Sheltering Sky, Paul Bowles was one of a very select group of artists who excelled as both composer and writer. He was a distinctive and original composer and in the first of two CDs devoted to his piano works - both solo and duo - the music is grouped cyclically, stylistically or thematically. This selection includes works inspired by Latin American themes that are amongst his most atmospheric, as well as the blues-infused Six Preludes. The challenging but outstanding Sonata for Two Pianos is one of the best-kept secrets of American piano music. Also Included are pieces written for Bowles by Leonard Bernstein and Virgil Thomson.