The ten pieces in the so-called Viennese Sketchbook were composed and repeatedly revised at different times between the years 1975 and 1991. Although all of these works openly pay tribute to Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, Ford's treatment of traditional materials remains strikingly original, without a hint of academic constraint or self-conscious imitation.
The hauntingly poignant Sonatina in C Minor, nicknamed "La Siciliana," is one of Ford's favorite keyboard works and is the only music he composed during his residency in Baton Rouge from 1985-86. It is distinguished by the characteristic style elements of the traditional siciliano, including a plaintive melody, dotted rhythms, flowing accompaniment, and minor-key tonality.