A special release re-coupling from previous acclaimed Halle releases the complete orchestrations by composer Colin Matthews of the 24 Debussy Préludes.

Hallé’s previous releases of Matthews’ Debussy orchestrations coupled with La Mer (CD HLL 7513) and Jeux (CD HLL 7518) were received with universal acclaim with the former winning a highly prestigious Diapason d’Or award in France. This set includes the world premiere recordings of Colin Mathew’s stunning orchestrations of the Debussy Préludes, along with a Postlude written by the composer for this project, presented together for the first time at a special price.

Matthews has been heralded for the success with which he has taken the inspiration of the piano masterpieces and skilfully created orchestral works of great variety, beauty and drama.   Indeed, following their critical reception these works are being taken up and performed by orchestras across the world.

Matthews was born in London in 1946 and following formal composition studies he worked closely for many years with Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst and later collaborated with Deryck Cooke on the performing edition of Mahler’s 10th Symphony.  His work has been commissioned by leading orchestras, ensembles and soloists across the world and frequently appears on the programmes of international concert halls.  Colin Matthews is Composer-in-Association of Hallé and this release presents the culmination of his orchestrating all 24 Debussy Préludes for Hallé.

Key performances of Matthews’ work this year include The Proms (Violin Concerto, BBC SSO/Knussen/Josefowicz 28.7.10), at Tanglewood (Turning Point TMCO/Spano 16.8.10), in  London’s Royal Festival Hall (Suns Dance Music of Today Philharmonia/Masson 30.9.10 and Debussy Preludes LPO/Jurowski 1.12.10), in Verona (Hidden Variables Arena di Verona 1.10.10)  and in Miami (Violin Concerto New World Symphony/Knussen/Josefowicz 1.12.10)

“…more than orchestrations, they are recreations achieved by entering into the mind and thought of the original composer. Beautiful performances” The Sunday Telegraph

The recordings were made in studio recordings in BBC Studio 7, Manchester.

Halle’s previous release of Colin Matthews’ original compositions Alphabicycle Order and Horn Concerto (CD HLL 7515) were highly praised: 

"…two excellent recordings of notably substantial 21st-century compositions" Gramophone

"as a showcase for [Matthews’] and the [Hallé's] stylistic versatility, the two works on this disc… couldn't be bettered." BBC website

CLAUDE DEBUSSY/COLIN MATTHEWS

The 24 Piano Preludes orchestrated by Colin Matthews

Conductor
Sir Mark Elder

Catalogue number CD HLD 7527

Preview: https://orcd.co/o6yooxy