Colin Matthews, a composer deeply embedded in British musical life, has celebrated his 80th birthday with a new oboe concerto that showcases his uncompromising structural vision. Nearly two decades on from his Violin Concerto, this latest work is characterized by an intense back-and-forth between the solo oboe and orchestra, wrestling themes and ideas into their ultimate form in a dynamic and often combative exchange.
The choice of oboe might evoke images of English pastoral landscapes, but Matthews quickly dispels this association. The music begins with a summoning upward flourish from the soloist, establishing a single continuous movement that throws out challengers in the form of a raucous clarinet and seductive cor anglais. The textural density forces the soloist to ride the storm, expertly marshalled by conductor Elim Chan.
This concerto is not an easy listener, but it's precisely this quality that makes it so compelling. It's a piece wrestling heroically with definitions, refusing to offer any neat resolutions in favor of an ending that feels more like an emergency stop. This is music that demands attention and refuses to be easily categorised.
In its structural clarity and emphasis on continuity, Matthews's concerto finds a natural partner in Elim Chan's interpretations of Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances and Bartók's Dance Suite. Both works showcase the conductor's deep understanding of her composers' internal logic and her ability to balance complexity with cohesion.
Under Chan's baton, these works come alive, their musical histories and identities grappled with in a way that feels both nuanced and urgent. It's clear that Matthews has once again found a like-minded collaborator in his conductor, and the result is music that is at once dense and dynamic, offering up challenges for both soloist and audience alike.
The choice of oboe might evoke images of English pastoral landscapes, but Matthews quickly dispels this association. The music begins with a summoning upward flourish from the soloist, establishing a single continuous movement that throws out challengers in the form of a raucous clarinet and seductive cor anglais. The textural density forces the soloist to ride the storm, expertly marshalled by conductor Elim Chan.
This concerto is not an easy listener, but it's precisely this quality that makes it so compelling. It's a piece wrestling heroically with definitions, refusing to offer any neat resolutions in favor of an ending that feels more like an emergency stop. This is music that demands attention and refuses to be easily categorised.
In its structural clarity and emphasis on continuity, Matthews's concerto finds a natural partner in Elim Chan's interpretations of Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances and Bartók's Dance Suite. Both works showcase the conductor's deep understanding of her composers' internal logic and her ability to balance complexity with cohesion.
Under Chan's baton, these works come alive, their musical histories and identities grappled with in a way that feels both nuanced and urgent. It's clear that Matthews has once again found a like-minded collaborator in his conductor, and the result is music that is at once dense and dynamic, offering up challenges for both soloist and audience alike.
man... colin matthews' new concerto is like that one old vinyl record i used to listen to as a kid - it's still got some rough edges but somehow it all comes together in the end 
you know? he's still pushing boundaries with this stuff, not afraid to get a little abrasive and uncomfortable... kind of like when my grandma used to play that weird polka music on our family gatherings 
but seriously, i love how elim chan is bringing out the best in him. her take on rachmaninov and bartok is so underrated 
like, you can tell the composer was all about pushing boundaries and not holding back on his creative vision. its like, no one wants to sit there and listen to some relaxing melody for 2 hours straight lol. this music needs to get inside your head and wrestle with you a bit.
and I gotta say its like he's on a mission to push boundaries with his music... i mean the way the oboe and orchestra are all over each other is pretty intense! 
the textural density is so cool, makes you wanna listen again and again. love that elim chan is conducting it too, she brings out this amazing energy in these classical pieces 
Colin Matthews's new oboe concerto is like a masterpiece 
. I mean, who needs chill vibes when you can have intense drama and complexity? 
The way the solo oboe and orchestra go back and forth is like a battle of wits – I'm here for it! 
I've been listening to this concerto on repeat since it came out 
. I need to see Elim Chan perform it live ASAP!!! 
. the fact that it's not an easy listen makes it feel super special, like a thrilling conversation with a friend who's always keeping you on your toes 
. Elim Chan as conductor is pure gold too 
– her passion for the music shines through in every performance! 
cant wait to hear more about Matthews' work & how he's collaborating with others
. I mean, who needs creative fulfillment when you've already lived eight decades? The music's probably just some overhyped classical nonsense that'll be lost on most people anyway... But hey, if you're into that sorta thing, go for it! Just don't expect me to be lining up around the block to hear this oboe concerto 
I'm loving this new oboe concerto by Colin Matthews! The contrast between the soaring soloist and the chaotic orchestra is totally captivating 
. The way the soloist and orchestra go back and forth is so captivating, but at the same time, it's almost overwhelming 
.
. The music is so much more than just some soothing soundscape... it's like he's wrestling with the very fabric of sound itself 
and elim chan as conductor is pure magic 
– she brings out the best in these complex pieces like a pro! 
. And Elim Chan's conducting skills are on point, she knows exactly how to make these complex pieces sing 
. It's like she's unraveling some deep puzzle and sharing it with us 
. I'm not gonna lie, I had to listen to it a few times before I actually got it, but when you do... WOW 
. Elim Chan's interpretation is sublime, offering a masterful balance of nuance and urgency that elevates these works to new heights 
the way he's pushing boundaries with that oboe is pure genius - it's like he's challenging our perceptions of classical music all over again. love how Elim Chan brings out the best in him too 
their chemistry is undeniable! Rachmaninov and Bartók, who knew? 
great to see these classic pieces reimagined with such passion & energy 
, helping Matthews bring out the best in his music. The way she balances complexity and cohesion is masterful 
. I'm all about these kinds of works that keep you on your toes 
.
and to think, this work is all about the intense dialogue between solo oboe and orchestra... it's like they're having this epic battle of wits 
but in a beautiful, thrilling way 
just heard about Colin Matthews' new concerto & I'm SO intrigued 
, balancing complexity & cohesion like a pro 