Search - Matthews, Knussen, London Sinfonietts :: Broken Symmetry / 4th Sonata / Suns Dance

Colin Matthews (b. 1946) is a young British composer whose music, at least on this disc, incorporates many of the ideas currently floating around--minimalism, for one--and makes good use of them. Fourth Sonata (1974) takes many minimalist techniques and applies them to full orchestra. Its structure is quasi-symphonic, more a rush of stacatto elements, a flood-tide of bright, clashing sounds. Suns Dance (1987)--and that's the correct title--also uses the repetitive techniques of minimalism, but there is a more improvisational aspect to Suns Dance. Broken Symmetry (1990) is much more tempestuous. Matthews's ideas are refreshing, if a bit scary. --Paul Cook