Inspired by the worlds of literature and nature, Canadian composer Michael Matthews utilizes his expressive musical language to explore existential and humanistic discourses about society,...

Inspired by the worlds of literature and nature, Canadian composer Michael Matthews utilizes his expressive musical language to explore existential and humanistic discourses about society, nature, and our place as individuals in both on his Ravello Records release, String Quartets. Performed by the Clearwater String Quartet, many of these works highlight the sharp contrasts, intensity, and varying textures of Matthews’ style. His String Quartet No. 2 recalls the Second Viennese School, while Miniatures focuses on exploration and discovery, giving them a distinctly North American color.