Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1978

 

Paula Matthusen is a contemporary American composer who has made significant contributions to the field of classical music. Born in 1978 in Oregon, Matthusen grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. She later studied composition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in 2001. She went on to earn her Master of Music degree in composition from Wesleyan University in 2004 and her Ph.D. in music composition from New York University in 2010. Matthusen's music is characterized by its use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as its exploration of the relationship between sound and space. Her compositions often incorporate field recordings, found objects, and other non-traditional sound sources, and she is known for her innovative use of technology in her work. One of Matthusen's most notable works is "on the attraction for felicitous amplitude," a piece for chamber ensemble and electronics that was commissioned by the International Contemporary Ensemble in 2011. The piece explores the concept of resonance and features a variety of instruments, including strings, winds, and percussion. The electronics in the piece are used to create a sense of space and to enhance the acoustic instruments. Another notable work by Matthusen is "AEG," a piece for solo cello and electronics that was commissioned by cellist Ashley Bathgate in 2016. The piece is inspired by the sound of a washing machine and incorporates recordings of the machine's cycles into the composition. The cello is used to mimic the sound of the machine, and the electronics are used to create a sense of space and to enhance the cello's sound. Matthusen has also collaborated with a number of other artists and musicians throughout her career. In 2014, she collaborated with choreographer Pam Tanowitz on a piece called "Heaven on One's Head," which was performed at the Joyce Theater in New York City. The piece featured live music by Matthusen and a group of musicians, as well as choreography by Tanowitz. In addition to her work as a composer, Matthusen is also an educator. She has taught at a number of institutions, including Wesleyan University, New York University, and Dartmouth College. She is currently an associate professor of music at Wesleyan University, where she teaches courses in composition and electronic music. Matthusen's work has been recognized with a number of awards and honors throughout her career. In 2014, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in music composition, and in 2018, she was awarded a fellowship from the American Academy in Berlin. Her music has been performed by a variety of ensembles and musicians, including the International Contemporary Ensemble, the Bang on a Can All-Stars, and the Kronos Quartet. Overall, Paula Matthusen is a composer who has made significant contributions to the field of classical music through her innovative use of technology and her exploration of the relationship between sound and space. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and she continues to be a leading figure in contemporary classical music today.

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