The dates given at the end of the score ('Begun, June 1926: finished, October 1927') suggest that the work cost Ireland some considerable effort despite its brevity.
Ireland had a strong affection for Faery, the younger daughter of the Hutchesons of the White House, Great Sampford.
The Rondo was used as a test piece in the 1928 Daily Express Piano Competition, which was won by Cyril Smith.
Lewis Foreman has written, "that Ireland even then recognised the piano not only for its romantic and singing qualities, but also - almost Bartók like - as a percussion instrument".
[8] It recounts the tale of a spinster who renounces her city life with relatives in London to move to the village of Great Mop, where she forges a pact with the devil and becomes a witch.