Gerald Finzi composed the first 3 bagatelles in 1941, stating they included “20 year old old bits and pieces” he still hadn’t used. The 4th was added in 1943, with the final movement completed in 1945. The set became a quick success for Finzi, and they still remain some of his most beloved music. Interestingly, however, Finzi was not a fan of the bagatelles. He dismissed them, calling them “only trifle pieces” that were “not worth much, but got better notices than my decent stuff.” Either way, the Five Bagatelles contain some of Finzi’s finest lyrical writing.