Matthews, Rachel (1966-) - Dreams  Ref: 2--007 Dreams is a three-movement work which, in spite of a title suggestive of a fantasy-like work, actually has the architectural strength and substance of a formal sonata. In its ten-minute span it combines lyricism, brilliance, tension and power, and fully exploits the resources of both viola and piano. Its soft rocking opening and lyrical viola entry give little hint of what is very soon to follow - these are in places stormy dreams. The first movement returns to tender lyricism, to be followed by a more fragmentary movement featuring staccato interjections and finally an expansive and substantiall third movement. Technically brilliant and demanding and musically highly accessible, Dreams promises to become a valuable part of the viola's concert repertoire. Its American composer began her career as a pianist but has increasingly concentrated on composition in the past decade. see sample score listen to extract from the first movement listen to extract from the second movement listen to extract from the final movement