Symphony No. 2 (2001)

I Poco allegro
II Moderato
III Scherzo/Finale

The work is in three movements, with several common thematic ideas shared between movements one and two. The first movement in particular is characterized by the continuous revisiting of a group of basic musical ideas, with the motives always heard from a different perspective and in a different context. The second movement recasts the opening theme of the first into an incipient and finally realized lyrical song. The final movement is a kind of scherzo with changing metres, underpinned with extensive percussion.

Symphony No. 2 was composed in Winnipeg between May and September of 2001. My work on this piece was facilitated by a Major Arts Grant from the Manitoba Arts Council, whose support is gratefully acknowledged.

Symphony No. 2 is dedicated to the memory of my father, John William Matthews, 1919–2001.

World Premiere:

February 7, 2002
Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Centara Corporation New Music Festival
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra — Michael Hall, conductor

James Manishen — Winnipeg, Free Press, January 8, 2002