Role

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Composer  

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

James Matheson is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on November 2, 1970, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Matheson began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1992. After completing his undergraduate studies, Matheson continued his education at the Yale School of Music, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1994 and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1998. While at Yale, Matheson studied composition with Martin Bresnick, Jacob Druckman, and Ezra Laderman, among others. Matheson's early works were influenced by the minimalist and post-minimalist styles of composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass. His compositions often feature repetitive patterns and rhythmic structures, but also incorporate elements of traditional classical music, such as harmony and melody. One of Matheson's most notable early works is his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Pacifica Quartet in 2001. The piece is characterized by its use of repetitive patterns and shifting harmonies, and has been praised for its intricate and complex structure. In 2004, Matheson was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic to write a new work for their Contact! series, which features contemporary music by emerging composers. The resulting piece, titled True South, is a concerto for orchestra that was inspired by the landscapes and culture of the American South. The piece features a wide range of musical styles, from blues and jazz to classical and avant-garde. Matheson's music has been performed by many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2011 and a Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2012. In recent years, Matheson's music has become more experimental and abstract, with a focus on exploring new sounds and textures. His 2016 work, Still Life, for example, features a large ensemble of instruments and electronics, and incorporates field recordings of natural sounds such as birdsong and waterfalls. Despite his success as a composer, Matheson has also faced challenges and setbacks in his career. In 2018, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, which forced him to take a break from composing and undergo treatment. However, he has since recovered and returned to composing, and has continued to create new works that push the boundaries of contemporary classical music. Overall, James Matheson is a composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works are characterized by their intricate structures, innovative use of sound, and incorporation of diverse musical styles. Despite facing personal challenges, Matheson has remained committed to his craft and continues to create music that inspires and challenges audiences.

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