Andrew Matthews-Owen - Halo: Music for Piano (2017)

Tracklist
---------
01. Preludes: No. 1
02. Preludes: No. 2 "Fantasia for Colin"
03. Preludes: No. 3
04. Preludes: No. 4
05. Preludes: No. 5 "Neon"
06. Preludes: No. 6 "Elegy"
07. Modétudes: I. Dorian
08. Modétudes: II. Lydian
09. Modétudes: III. Ionian
10. Modétudes: IV. Locrian
11. Modétudes: V. Phrygian
12. Modétudes: VI. Aeolian
13. Modétudes: VII. Mixolydian
14. On the Chequer'd Field Array'd: I. Mindplay
15. On the Chequer'd Field Array'd: II. Middlegame
16. On the Chequer'd Field Array'd: III. Coda
17. Halo: I. From Darkness
18. Halo: II. To Blinding Shine
19. Halo: III. Calm and Settled Glow
20. Nocturne

"I have long enjoyed performing and recording a wonderful variety of contemporary music by some of our most exciting and innovative composers. Most of this repertoire has been for voice and piano, or chamber ensemble, affording me the joy and privilege of working with numerous fine and distinguished musicians.

This CD is however my first recording of contemporary music for solo piano, and has been a revelatory and inspiring experience.

Introducing music written in our own time is atonce a joy and a responsibility. Often, and despite our best efforts , some very good scores are heard on only a handful of occasions. For many listeners it will be their first encounter with a new composer. Thus a clear belief in the sound world of every composer one premieres is vital not just to the success of a new piece by to winning or losing pote ntial admirers for living composers. The composers on this disc dwell in very different yet equally marvellous sound worlds." -Andrew Matthews-Owen

Described recently as a ‘splendid keyboard artist’ (Fanfare Magazine USA), ‘an immaculate accompanist… dashing virtuosity’ (BBC Music Magazine) and ‘a superlative pianist’ (MusicWeb International), Andrew Matthews-Owen enjoys a busy career as a pianist and performance coach. He has partnered numerous leading contemporary singers and musicians and future engagements include recitals with Susan Bickley and Claire Booth featuring premieres of new works by Jonathan Dove and Augusta Read Thomas.