Matheson: Violin Concerto, Salonen (CD)

“Matheson’s concerto is a supercharged showpiece for virtuoso violinist and orchestra that connects with the listener on a visceral as well as intellectual level. It keeps the soloist extremely busy as he navigates a maze of vivid, colorful orchestral effects.” — Chicago Tribune

Commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, James Matheson’s Violin Concerto was premiered by CSO violinists Baird Dodge in December 2011. CSO musicians are also heard on Matheson’s String Quartet, recorded live in concert November 2015, described in the Orange County Register as “an impressive piece of work . . . brimming with ideas” and “beautifully orchestrated . . . to create one wondrous color after another.”

Matheson String Quartet
Baird Dodge violin
Gina Dibello violin
Weijing Wang viola
Yi Xin cello
November 2016, Samueli Theater, Costa Mesa

Matheson Violin Concerto
Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor
Baird Dodge violin
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
December 2011, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Matheson Times Alone
Laura Strickling soprano
Thomas Sauer piano
November 2015, Samueli Theater, Costa Mesa

Discs: 1
Record Label: Yarlung Records
Release Date: September 9, 2016