After nearly 12 years of composing and recording songs, Assistant Professor of music and composer Mathew Fuerst released a new album on Jan. 6.
The album, “Mathew Fuerst: Works for Violin & Piano,” contains three suites performed by violinist Jasper Wood and pianist David Riley.
“They’ve always been very supportive,” Fuerst said. “It’s a really fortunate thing for the composer to work so closely with such great musicians.”
Fuerst described his style as energetic and said he looks to create well-organized compositions. Working with Wood and Riley allows him to experiment and expound upon his previous works. It also allows him to receive feedback from other musicians.
“I love pushing the limits of virtuosity with these guys,” Fuerst said. “They’re such great musicians.”
For Fuerst, the inspiration for a song can come from anything. In this album, Fuerst said he drew primarily from personal stories. The second movement of the third piece was written for his wife and used as the processional in their wedding.
“Every piece is different in terms of the approach to writing it, in terms of what one has to go through,” Fuerst said. “And even my maturity as a composer was different for each one of these pieces.”
This is the first album to contain multiple suites written by Fuerst.
“This CD is a tremendous milestone in his career as a composer adding to the CD of his First Symphony,” said James Holleman, chair of the music department.
Now Fuerst looks at the finished album as a chance to step back from his project and evaluate his development over the years. For Fuerst, this album is a chance to learn and grow.
“I suppose it’s the same way as going back to reading an essay you wrote as a freshman,” Fuerst said. “As you read it now, you see the weaknesses.”
Fuerst said that the album acts as a passport book marking where he has been over the last 12 years. Now, he looks forward to relaxing and reflecting on the completed album.
“It was exciting, but it’s also a relief that it is done.”