Colin Matthews, a distinguished figure in contemporary classical music, presents a compelling collection of orchestral works with his album "Fourth Sonata For Orchestra; Suns Dance For 10 Players; Broken Symmetry For Orchestra." Released on January 1, 1995, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album offers a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase Matthews' intricate and evocative musical language.
The album opens with the "Fourth Sonata For Orchestra," a piece composed between 1974 and 1975. This sonata is a journey through varying moods and textures, beginning with a gentle, introspective Part I and evolving into more complex and dynamic movements. The "Molto sostenuto" and "Sempre molto legato e pianissimo" sections highlight Matthews' ability to craft deeply expressive and nuanced orchestral passages.
Following the sonata, "Suns Dance For 10 Players," composed between 1984 and 1985, offers a stark contrast. This piece, performed by a smaller ensemble, is characterized by its rhythmic precision and playful interplay between instruments. The allegro sections are particularly lively, while the "Tempo giusto" movements provide moments of reflective calm. The inclusion of specific instruments like the contrabassoon, oboe, and bass clarinet adds a unique color palette to the composition.
The album concludes with "Broken Symmetry For Orchestra," a work composed between 1991 and 1992. This piece is a tour de force of orchestral writing, featuring a series of scherzos and trios that explore themes of symmetry and disruption. The "Allegro" introduction sets the stage for a journey through contrasting moods, from the haunting "Threnody" to the playful "Parody" and the intense "Feroce." The final "Stretto" and "Coda" bring the work to a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album is a testament to Colin Matthews' mastery of orchestral composition. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to contemporary orchestral works, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Fourth Sonata (1974-75): 1. Beginning (Part I) = 60Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Fourth Sonata (1974-75): 2. Part II (1)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Fourth Sonata (1974-75): 3. Part II (2)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Fourth Sonata (1974-75): 4. Molto sostenuto (Part II (2))Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Fourth Sonata (1974-75): 5. Sempre molto legato e pianissimo (Part III)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 1. Allegro (= 152)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 2. Tempo giusto (Contrabassoon)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 3. (Oboe)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 4. Allegro assaiColin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 5. Tempo giusto (Viola)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 6. (Bass clarinet)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 7. Tutti (= 152)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 8. Poco meccanicamenteColin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 9. Tempo giustoColin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 10. (Piccolo and Bass)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Suns Dance (1984-85): 11. CodaColin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 1. Allegro (Introduction I)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 2. (Introduction II)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 3. (Trio 1: Threnody)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 4. Tempo giusto (Scherzo 1)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 5. (Trio 2: Parody)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 6. Vigoroso (Scherzo 2)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 7. Spettrale (Trio 3: Monody)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 8. Sostenuto ma agitato (Scherzo 3)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 9. Subito sostenuto (Centre)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 10. Feroce (Scherzo & Trio 4)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 11. Molto vigoroso (Scherzo & Trio 5)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 12. Pesante (Scherzo & Trio 6)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 13. Molto vivo (Stretto)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
Broken Symmetry (1991-92): 14. (Coda)Colin Matthews, London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen
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