The English label Somm has done sterling service exploring the lesser-known side of many British composers, not the least of which has been Edward Elgar – in particular early works and overlooked wartime compositions. This CD is about as early as it gets – music composed when he was bandmaster at Worcester’s County Pauper Lunatic Asylum in Powick – appointed at the tender age of 21.

The majority of the disc is made up of Polkas, Lancers and Quadrilles, many of which are enigmatically named for ladies of Elgar’s acquaintance (obvious ones like Nelly (the composer’s fiancé and Maud, the local music-seller’s daughter, more mysterious ones like La Brunette and Die Junge Kokette). It’s charming stuff, not exactly a demanding listen, but atmospheric late-Victorian dance music in the Sullivan vein. The majority of the compositions were written for the inmates’ regular Friday night dances – a surprisingly enlightened form of music therapy for the time.

In addition to the Powick music there are a few extra gems thrown in, chief of which is a delightful Andante and Allegro for Oboe and String Trio predating Elgar’s asylum years and written for the Worcester glee club and his brother Frank. Not essential listening, then, but a pleasant hour and an attractive window on the past. Recording and performances by Barry Collett’s Innovation Ensemble (who come from the City of Birmingham SO) are absolutely first rate.