David Matthews: Music for Piano
In his piano music, as in his symphonies and string quartets, the English composer David Matthews (b. 1943) marries the idiom of classical tradition with that of his own day. His 2009 Piano Concerto, Mozartian in spirit, contains both a tango and a blues; his Piano Sonata of 1989 includes jazz elements, and his 1997 Variations feature both blues and a homage to Beethoven. The moods range from contemplative introspection to fiery, rhythmic energy, captured here in feisty performances by the Finnish pianist Laura Mikkola, whom the composer describes as 'a marvellous exponent of my music'.
Laura Mikkola, piano
Orchestra Nova, orchestra
George Vass, conductor
Listen To This Recording:
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Piano Concerto, Op. 111 (2009)
- I Con moto moderato
- II Tango: Tempo di tango energico
- III Elegy: Largo e mesto
- IV Allegro con spirito
- I Allegro molto e ritmico –
- II Andante –
- III Allegro
- Theme: Allegro
- Var. 1: L’istesso tempo
- Var. 2: Poco più sostenuto
- Var. 3: Vivace e leggiero
- Var. 4: Un poco solenne
- Var. 5: Presto leggiero
- Var. 6: Allegro moderato
- Var. 7: Allegro drammatico
- Var. 8: Scherzando
- Var. 9: Molto vivace
- Var. 10: Scorrevole
- Var. 11: Presto ludovicioso
- Var. 12: Allegro
- Var. 13: Allegro di galoppo
- Var. 14: L’istesso tempo
- Var. 15: Con molta anima
- Var. 16: Slow blues
- Var. 17: Allegretto con precisione
- Var. 18: Andante appassionato
- Var. 19: Poco maestoso
- Var. 20: Moderate blues
- Var. 21: Allegro
- Var. 22: Lento e mesto
- Var. 23: Quasi recitativo, con licenza
- Var. 24: Andantino semplice
- No. 1 With steady, calm movement
- No. 2 Esultante
- One to Tango, Op. 51d (1990, arr. 1993): Tempo di tango
Piano Sonata, Op. 47 (1989)
Variations for Piano, Op. 72 (1997)
Two Dionysus Dithyrambs, Op. 94 (2007 and 2004)
Gary Higginson :
‘The orchestra under George Vass appear to be foot perfect and give every appearance of enjoying the experience. […]
This Sonata is virtuoso music and Laura Mikkola is equal to it. Matthews describes her as ‘a marvellous exponent of my music’ and this performance proves the point. It is an exciting work and she is utterly in tune with its mood and demands. […]
The recording is strong and immediate. The excellent CD booklet has two essays by the composer – ‘An Autobiographical Note’ and ‘The Piano and Me: A Belated Engagement’ – both of which are uncommonly fascinating.’
—Gary Higginson, MusicWeb International
The Classical Reviewer :
‘I love this concerto. Laura Mikkola and the Orchestra Nova under George Vass couldn’t be better. […]
There is stunning playing from Mikkola [in the sonata]. […]
all [variations] brilliantly played by Laura Mikkola. […]
A virtuoso piece [Dionysis Dithyrambs] with more, great playing from Laura Mikkola. […]
The recording made in the Pamoja Hall at Sevenoaks School, Kent, England is excellent as are the notes by the composer. This is a fine new release that should be heard by all and not just those that are interested in British music.’
—The Classical Reviewer
Fanfare Magazine :
‘In Laura Mikkola, Matthews finds a staunch advocate; she is fully possessed of the technique required and seems impeccably suited to the various modes of expression the composer uses. […]
The Piano Sonata is given an excellent performance here. […] Mikkola has the timbral resources to make this a gratifyingly varied journey, and the return to simplicity at the close is most satisfying. […]
Mikkola has the timbral resources to make this a gratifyingly varied journey, and the return to simplicity at the close is most satisfying.’
—Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine October 2013
Klassisk Musikkmagasin :
‘The kaleidoscopic Variations (1997) are a tour de force of creative technique, spotlit by the tune’s transformed return at the close. Mikkola proves an ideal exponent of the music, and George Vass directs Orchestra Nova with skill in the Concerto. Toccata Classics are also releasing a fine series of Matthews’ string quartets, which I hope to cover in a later issue.’
—Guy Rickards, Klassisk Musikkmagasin November 2013