The violin used for this recording is an Antonio Stradivari 1698 'Joachim', and the bow was made by Stephen Bristow in 2010.
Performer Biography
Peter Sheppard Skærved, the violinist on this recording, is the dedicatee of over 300 works for solo violin and was nominated for a Grammy in 2007.
Composition History
The idea for David Matthews' Fifteen Fugues originated after he heard Peter Sheppard Skærved play Bach's G minor solo sonata in 1998, inspiring him to write a four-part fugue.
Composer Biography
David Matthews, the composer, has written more pieces for the violin than for any other instrument, including two concertos and sixteen pieces for solo violin.
Composer's Artistic Vision
David Matthews' Fifteen Fugues are unique in balancing the formal structure of fugues with personal portraiture, often dedicating them to friends and family.
Compositional Technique
One of the Fifteen Fugues uses 'scordatura', a re-tuning technique where the lowest string is tuned down to F sharp, altering the instrument's available sound palette.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Aldbury Parish Church, Hertfordshire, in August 2010.
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