Matthews: The Great Journey, Fuga & Night's Mask

Colin Matthews presents a compelling collection of his works in "The Great Journey, Fuga & Night's Mask," released on NMC Recordings in 2012. This album is a testament to Matthews' compositional prowess, featuring a diverse range of pieces that showcase his ability to blend narrative and musical expression.

The centerpiece of the album is "The Great Journey," a four-part orchestral work inspired by the journals of early American settlers. Each part tells a segment of their story, from the harrowing shipwreck to the eventual landing and the struggles that followed. Matthews' music paints a vivid picture of these historical events, with each movement offering a unique emotional and musical landscape.

"Fuga," a shorter piece, provides a contrast to the epic scale of "The Great Journey." It's a testament to Matthews' ability to create intricate, engaging music within a compact format.

"Night's Mask," another significant work, is a song cycle that explores themes of identity and perception. The piece is notable for its poetic texts and the way Matthews' music interacts with and enhances the words.

Performed by the acclaimed Nash Ensemble and featuring baritone David Wilson-Johnson, this album offers a rich, immersive listening experience. With a total runtime of over an hour, it's a substantial body of work that rewards repeated listening. Whether you're a fan of contemporary classical music or simply looking to explore something new, Colin Matthews' "The Great Journey, Fuga & Night's Mask" is sure to captivate and engage.