Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

February 13, 1946 in London, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Colin Matthews is a British composer who was born on February 13, 1946, in London, England. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a professional violinist and his mother a pianist. Matthews began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the viola and violin. He attended the University of Nottingham, where he studied music and composition. Matthews began his career as a composer in the 1970s, and his early works were heavily influenced by the music of Benjamin Britten, with whom he had a close personal and professional relationship. Matthews worked as Britten's assistant in the last years of the composer's life, and he was instrumental in the completion of Britten's final opera, Death in Venice. Matthews' early works include a number of chamber pieces, such as his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered in 1974. He also wrote a number of orchestral works, including his First Symphony, which was premiered in 1978. Matthews' music from this period is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate textures. In the 1980s, Matthews began to explore more experimental and avant-garde styles of composition. He became interested in the music of composers such as György Ligeti and Karlheinz Stockhausen, and he began to incorporate elements of their music into his own work. Matthews' music from this period is characterized by its complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. One of Matthews' most significant works from this period is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered in 1988. The piece is notable for its use of prepared piano, a technique in which objects are placed on the strings of the piano to alter its sound. The concerto also features a large orchestra, including a percussion section that includes a variety of unusual instruments, such as a waterphone and a lion's roar. In the 1990s, Matthews continued to explore new musical styles and techniques. He became interested in the music of the French composer Olivier Messiaen, and he began to incorporate elements of Messiaen's music into his own work. Matthews' music from this period is characterized by its use of bird song, complex rhythms, and intricate textures. One of Matthews' most significant works from this period is his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered in 1991. The piece is notable for its use of bird song, which is incorporated into the music in a variety of ways. The symphony also features a large orchestra, including a percussion section that includes a variety of unusual instruments, such as a thunder sheet and a wind machine. In the 2000s, Matthews continued to explore new musical styles and techniques. He became interested in the music of the American composer John Adams, and he began to incorporate elements of Adams' music into his own work. Matthews' music from this period is characterized by its use of minimalist techniques, repetitive rhythms, and driving energy. One of Matthews' most significant works from this period is his Violin Concerto, which was premiered in 2009. The piece is notable for its use of minimalist techniques, including repetitive rhythms and patterns. The concerto also features a large orchestra, including a percussion section that includes a variety of unusual instruments, such as a brake drum and a whip. Matthews has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer.

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