David Matthews' 'Fantasia on Paganini's Second Violin Concerto' includes a passage with four-part fugal writing and a unique instance of accompanied tenths in four parts.
Performer Biography
Peter Sheppard Skærved, the violinist on this album, has collaborated with composer David Matthews for two decades, resulting in over 30 works.
Composition History
Many of the pieces on this album, particularly the Fifteen Preludes, were written as birthday or anniversary presents for friends and family.
Composer Biography
David Matthews, the composer, has written more pieces for the violin than for any other instrument, despite not playing it himself.
Instruments
For the 'Four Australian Birds' piece, Peter Sheppard Skærved performed on an Antonio Stradivari 1698 'Joachim' violin.
Interpretation
Peter Sheppard Skærved discovered David Matthews' Sonata for Solo Violin in a second-hand shop, originally titled 'Sonatina', and worked with the composer to revise and record it.
