Short bio William Mathias
Birthday:
1934 in Whitland, Dyfed
Died:
1992 in Menai Bridge
Genre:
Classical,Avant-Garde
Period:
20th Century, Contemporary
Full biography William Mathias
William Mathias (1934-1992) was a Welsh composer, well-known for his choral works. He was born on November 1, 1934, in Whitland, Dyfed, Wales. Mathias was not only a composer but also a conductor, pianist, and public figure. He served as a professor of Music at Bangor University from 1970 to 1988 and founded the North Wales Music Festival in 1972 at St Asaph Cathedral , where he remained its artistic director until his death.
Mathias' music is characterized by his unique style and Welsh flavor. He wrote in various styles and composed in almost every form, ranging from choral works, operas, symphonies, concertos, and much more. His compositions are irresistibly attractive and catchy, such as the anthem "Let the people praise thee."
Furthermore , Mathias wrote music for royal events, including an anthem sung at the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and two pieces for the 1991 investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.
Although he died at only 57 years old , Mathias left an enduring legacy as one of the leading Welsh composers of the 20th century.
Compositions featuring William Mathias
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ad majorem Dei gloriam, for chorus & organ | 2:38 min | Choral | 1992 |
| 2 | Ave verum corpus, for chorus | 4:36 min | Choral | 1992 |
| 3 | The Lord's Prayer, for chorus & organ | 4:25 min | Choral | 1992 |
| 4 | Alleluia for chorus, 2 trumpets & organ | 3:11 min | Choral | 1991 |
| 5 | Doctrine of Wisdom, for chorus & organ | 5:03 min | Choral | 1990 |
| 6 | Hodie Christus natus est, for chorus | 2:57 min | Choral | 1990 |
| 7 | Summer Dances for brass quintet | 14:40 min | Chamber Music | 1990 |
| 8 | Threnos, for string orchestra | 18:14 min | Orchestral | 1990 |
| 9 | Carillon, for organ | 6:29 min | Keyboard | 1989 |
| 10 | Fenestra, for organ | 14:27 min | Keyboard | 1989 |
| 11 | The Lord is my Shepherd (Yr Arglwydd Yw Fy Mugail), for male chorus & piano | 5:50 min | Choral | 1989 |
| 12 | Learsongs, for chorus & piano, 4 hands | 16:25 min | Choral | 1988 |
| 13 | Santa Fe Suite, for harp | 12:08 min | Chamber Music | 1988 |
| 14 | Y nefoedd sydd yn datgan gogoniant Duw (The Heavens Declare the Glory of God), for chorus & organ | 8:58 min | Choral | 1988 |
| 15 | As Truly as God Is Our Father, for chorus & organ | 6:42 min | Choral | 1987 |
| 16 | Fanfare for organ | 2:24 min | Keyboard | 1987 |
| 17 | Riddles, for soloists, chorus, bells & piano | 21:36 min | Choral | 1987 |
| 18 | Recessional for organ, Op. 96/4 | 4:53 min | Keyboard | 1986 |
| 19 | String Quartet No. 3, Op. 97 | 23:16 min | Chamber Music | 1986 |
| 20 | Berceuse for organ, Op. 95/3 | 12:43 min | Keyboard | 1985 |
| 21 | Veni Sancte Spiritus, for chorus, 2 trumpets, crotales & organ, Op. 96 | 11:25 min | Choral | 1985 |
| 22 | Angelus, for chorus & organ, Op. 90/5 | 6:54 min | Choral | 1983 |
| 23 | O be joyful in the Lord (Jubilate Deo), for chorus, Op. 90/2 | 4:41 min | Choral | 1983 |
| 24 | All wisdom is from the Lord, for chorus, Op. 88/3 | 6:26 min | Choral | 1982 |
| 25 | Antiphonies for organ, Op. 88/2 | 11:47 min | Keyboard | 1982 |
| 26 | Except the Lord build the house, for chorus, 3 trumpets, organ, timpani & percussion, Op. 89/2 | 8:48 min | Choral | 1982 |
| 27 | Let the people praise thee, O God, anthem for chorus, Op. 87 | 5:35 min | Choral | 1981 |
| 28 | Lift up your Heads, O ye gates, anthem | 2:24 min | Choral | 1981 |
| 29 | Rex Gloriae, motets (4) for chorus, Op. 83 | 8:36 min | Choral | 1981 |
| 30 | String Quartet No. 2, Op. 84 | 19:53 min | Chamber Music | 1980 |
| 31 | Canzonetta, for organ, Op. 78/2 | 3:48 min | Keyboard | 1979 |
| 32 | A May Magnificat, for double chorus & chimes, Op. 79/2 | 9:45 min | Choral | 1978 |
| 33 | Fantasy for organ, Op. 78 | 12:35 min | Keyboard | 1978 |
| 34 | Nativity Carol, for chorus & organ, Op. 77/3 | 2:36 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | 1978 |
| 35 | Helios, for orchestra, Op 76 | 15:02 min | Orchestral | 1977 |
| 36 | Requiescat, for orchestra, Op 79 | 8:51 min | Orchestral | 1977 |
| 37 | Vivat Regina, suite for brass band, Op 75 | 8:57 min | Orchestral | 1977 |
| 38 | Invocations for organ, Op. 35 | 11:55 min | Keyboard | 1976 |
| 39 | Zodiac Trio, for flute, viola & harp, Op. 70 | 17:32 min | Chamber Music | 1976 |
| 40 | Concerto for clarinet & orchestra, Op 68 | 18:40 min | Concerto | 1975 |
| 41 | Vistas, Op 69 | 13:13 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | 1975 |
| 42 | Concertino for recorder, oboe, bassoon & harpsichord, Op. 65 | 11:39 min | Chamber Music | 1974 |
| 43 | Jubilate, for organ, Op. 67/2 | 3:10 min | Keyboard | 1974 |
| 44 | This Worlde's Joie Op 67 | 48:48 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | 1974 |
| 45 | Laudi, Op 62 | 12:09 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | 1973 |
| 46 | Missa brevis, for chorus & organ, Op. 64 | 16:43 min | Choral | 1973 |
| 47 | Celtic Dances, for orchestra, Op. 60 | 13:58 min | Orchestral | 1972 |
| 48 | Elegy for a Prince, Op 59 | 16:59 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | 1972 |
| 49 | Hobed o Hilion, welsh folk song arranged for Baritone & Strings | 2:58 min | Vocal Music | 1971 |
| 50 | Concerto for harp & orchestra, Op 50 | 26:48 min | Concerto | 1970 |
| 51 | An Admonition to Rulers, for chorus & organ, Op. 43 | 12:20 min | Choral | 1969 |
| 52 | Ave Rex, a carol sequence for chorus & organ (or orchestra), Op 45 | 11:36 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | 1969 |
| 53 | Lift up your heads, O ye gates (Psalm 24), for chorus, Op. 44/2 | 2:25 min | Choral | 1969 |
| 54 | Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 46 | 14:48 min | Keyboard | 1969 |
| 55 | Concerto for piano & orchestra No. 3, Op. 40 | 26:57 min | Concerto | 1968 |
| 56 | Sinfonietta, Op 34 | 13:10 min | Orchestral | 1967 |
| 57 | String Quartet No. 1, Op. 38 | 20:19 min | Chamber Music | 1967 |
| 58 | Chorale, for organ ("Easter 1966") | 3:42 min | Keyboard | 1966 |
| 59 | Processional for organ | 3:36 min | Keyboard | 1965 |
| 60 | Divertimento for flute, oboe & piano | 8:54 min | Chamber Music | 1964 |
| 61 | Festival Te Deum, for chorus, Op. 28 | 7:13 min | Choral | 1964 |
| 62 | Prelude, aria and finale for string orchestra, Op 25 | 10:37 min | Orchestral | 1964 |
| 63 | Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 23 | 15:19 min | Keyboard | 1963 |
| 64 | Quintet for winds, Op 22 | 15:48 min | Chamber Music | 1963 |
| 65 | Partita for organ, Op. 19 | 15:47 min | Keyboard | 1962 |
| 66 | Postlude, for organ | 2:48 min | Keyboard | 1962 |
| 67 | Variations on a Hymn Tune (Braint), for organ, Op. 20 | 13:10 min | Keyboard | 1962 |
| 68 | All thy works shall praise thee, for chorus & organ, Op. 17b | 3:32 min | Choral | 1961 |
| 69 | Dance Overture, Op 16 | 6:35 min | Orchestral | 1961 |
| 70 | Invocation and Dance, Op 17 | 11:37 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | 1961 |
| 71 | Serenade for small orchestra, Op. 18 | Orchestral | 1961 | |
| 72 | Divertimento for String Orchestra, Op 7 | 11:24 min | Orchestral | 1958 |
| 73 | Sonatina for flute & piano | 8:18 min | Chamber Music | 1956 |
| 74 | Prelude, Elegy and Toccata, for organ | 13:47 min | Keyboard | 1955 |
| 75 | In excelsis gloria, carol for chorus | 2:28 min | Choral | 1954 |
| 76 | Sonata for violin & piano | 16:37 min | Chamber Music | 1952 |
| 77 | A Babe Is Born, for chorus & organ, Op. 55 | 3:28 min | Choral | - |
| 78 | A Royal Garland, Op 77 | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - | |
| 79 | Away with gloom, away with doubt!, for chorus & organ | 1:43 min | Choral | - |
| 80 | Bell Carol | 4:01 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 81 | Concerto for Horn, Strings & Timpani, Op. 93 | 19:04 min | Concerto | - |
| 82 | Concerto for oboe & orchestra | 16:26 min | Concerto | - |
| 83 | Divertimento for violin & viola, Op .1 | 7:58 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 84 | Festival Te Deum | 7:50 min | Choral | - |
| 85 | Final Dance (As You Like It) | 1:43 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 86 | Grace, Op 89/3 | 2:06 min | Choral | - |
| 87 | I Will Celebrate, for chorus | 8:30 min | Choral | - |
| 88 | Improvisations for harp, Op 10 | 4:59 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 89 | Intrada for small orchestra, Op. 54 | 4:57 min | Orchestral | - |
| 90 | Investiture Anniversary Fanfare, for brass & percussion | 4:21 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 91 | It was a lover and his lass (As You Like It) | 1:59 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 92 | Jesus College Service (Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis), for chorus & organ, Op. 53 | 6:42 min | Choral | - |
| 93 | Lazy Robin | 2:51 min | Choral | - |
| 94 | Little Suite | 8:35 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 95 | Lux Aeterna, for soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, chorus & orchestra, Op. 88 | 56:09 min | Choral | - |
| 96 | Missa Aedis Christi, for chorus, Op 92 | 15:34 min | Choral | - |
| 97 | Nos A Bore | 3:26 min | Choral | - |
| 98 | O How Amiable, Op 90/3 | 5:42 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 99 | Organ Album | Keyboard | - | |
| 100 | Partita for organ | 13:42 min | Keyboard | - |
| 101 | Piano Concerto No. 1 | 25:00 min | Concerto | - |
| 102 | Piano Concerto No. 2 | 24:17 min | Concerto | - |
| 103 | Piano Trio, Op. 30 | 16:28 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 104 | Processional for organ & trumpet | 3:48 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 105 | Psalm 67, for chorus | Choral | - | |
| 106 | Salvator Mundi, for chorus & large ensemble | 19:17 min | Choral | - |
| 107 | Salvator mundi, sequence of carols (30) for chorus, Op. 89 | 16:29 min | Choral | - |
| 108 | Shakespeare Songs, for choir & piano | 17:01 min | Choral | - |
| 109 | Sir Christèmas | 1:35 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 110 | Sonata for violin & piano No. 1, Op. 15 | 15:42 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 111 | Sonata for violin & piano No. 2, Op. 94 | 20:09 min | Chamber Music | - |
| 112 | Songs of William Blake, for baritone, celeste, harp, piano & strings, Op. 82 | 34:15 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 113 | Sweet Was the Song | 4:01 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 114 | Symphony No. 1, Op. 31 | 30:56 min | Symphony | - |
| 115 | Symphony No. 2, Op 90 "Summer Music" | 28:16 min | Symphony | - |
| 116 | Symphony No. 3 | 31:24 min | Symphony | - |
| 117 | Tantum Ergo | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - | |
| 118 | Toccata alla danza | 2:56 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 119 | Toccata Giocosa, for organ, Op 36/2 | 3:40 min | Keyboard | - |
| 120 | Toccata giocoso, for organ | 3:23 min | Keyboard | - |
| 121 | Wassail Carol | 1:57 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
Albums featuring William Mathias
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Chertok, Britten, Maros, Mathias, Watkins - Anna Castellari – Nocturne (Harp Suites From 1948 To 1988)(CD, Album) | 2021 | Da Vinci Classics |
| 2 |  |
William Mathias, St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen Of St John's, Graham Walker (9) – Choral Music(CD, Album) | 2020 | Naxos |
| 3 |  |
Songs and Chamber Music (A Vision of Time and Eternity)(CD, Album, Stereo) | 2020 | Naxos |
| 4 |  |
Britten, Mathias, Finzi, Cooke, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Michael Collins (3) – British Clarinet Concertos Volume 2(CD, Album) | 2016 | Chandos |
| 5 |  |
Ralph Vaughan Williams, William Mathias, Mark Bebbington, Ulster Orchestra, George Vass – Fantasia; Piano Concert Nos. 1 & 2(CD, Album) | 2011 | Somm |
| 6 |  |
Alun Hoddinott - William Mathias - Daniel Jones (5) / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Groves, National Youth Orchestra Of Wales, Davison, BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, Thomson – Welsh Dances(CD, Compilation) | 2009 | Lyrita Recorded Edition |
| 7 |  |
William Mathias, Richard Lea – William Mathias: Complete Organ Works(2×CD, Album, Stereo) | 2009 | Priory |
| 8 |  |
National Youth Orchestra Of Wales, Mathias, Vaughan Williams, Owain Arwel Hughes – Celtic Dances : Symphony No. 2 (A London Symphony)(CD, Album) | 2009 | Diversions (3) |
| 9 |  |
Mathias / Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens (2) – Choral Music(CD, Album) | 2009 | Hyperion |
| 10 |  |
Aureole Trio - William Mathias • Arnold Bax • Jan Bach • Richard Rodney Bennett – Zodiac | 2008 | Koch International Classics |
| 11 |  |
William Mathias, John Pickard, Raymond Clarke (2) – Sonata No.1 & No.2 : Sonata & A Starlit Dome | 1998 | Athene Records |
| 12 |  |
William Mathias, Gloriae Dei Cantores – The Doctrine Of Wisdom (The Choral Music Of William Mathias)(CD, Album) | 1998 | Gloriae Dei Cantores |
| 13 |  |
Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Rutter, William Mathias, Benjamin Britten, Toronto Children's Chorus, Lois Marshall, Elmer Iseler Singers, MacMillan Singers, Members Of The Toronto Symphony Orchestra – A Boy Was Born(CD, ) | 1997 | Not On Label (Toronto Children's Chorus Self-released) |
| 14 |  |
William Mathias, London Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra Of Wales, David Atherton (2), Arthur Davison – William Mathias: Dance Overture / Divertimento / Invocation And Dance / Prelude, Ari | 1996 | Lyrita Recorded Edition |
| 15 |  |
Hoddinott & Mathias - Fine Arts Brass Ensemble With Kevin Bowyer – Summer Dances And Other Works For Brass Quintet(CD, ) | 1996 | Nimbus Records |
| 16 |  |
Mathias, Elinor Bennett – Santa Fe Suite (20th Century Harp Classics) | 1995 | Nimbus Records |
| 17 |  |
Clarinet Concerto / Harp Concerto / Piano Concerto No. 3(CD, Album) | 1995 | Lyrita Recorded Edition |
| 18 |  |
William Mathias, Medea Quartet – The Three String Quartet | 1994 | Metier |
| 19 |  |
William Mathias - BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, Grant Llewellyn, David Cowley (2) – Symphony No. 3 - Helios - Oboe Concerto - Requiescat | 1992 | Nimbus Records |
| 20 |  |
William Mathias, Stephen Darlington, Christ Church Cathedral Choir – Church And Choral Music(CD, Stereo, Ambisonic) | 1990 | Nimbus Records |
| 21 |  |
William Mathias - BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, William Mathias – Symphony No. 1 / Symphony No. 2 (Summer Music) | 1990 | Nimbus Records |
| 22 |  |
Lux Aeterna(Cassette, Album) | 1989 | Chandos |
| 23 |  |
William Mathias, Felicity Lott, Margaret Cable, Penelope Walker, John Scott (10), The Bach Choir, Choristers Of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, London Symphony Orchestra Conducted By Sir David Willcocks – Lux Aeterna | 1984 | Chandos |
| 24 |  |
Daniel Jones (5), William Mathias - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves – Symphony No. 6 / Symphony No. 1(LP) | 1980 | Welsh Arts Council Oriel Records |
| 25 |  |
William Mathias, Gervase de Peyer, Sir Geraint Evans, New Philharmonia Orchestra, David Atherton (2) – Laudi / Clarinet Concerto / Elegy For A Prince / Vistas(LP) | 1978 | Argo (2) |
| 26 |  |
Composers of Wales(LP, Album, Stereo) | 1976 | Argo (2) |
| 27 |  |
William Mathias - Janet Price, Kenneth Bowen, Michael Rippon, The Bach Choir, Choristers Of St. George's Chapel, Windsor - New Philharmonia Orchestra & David Willcocks – This Worlde's Joie(LP, Album, Stereo, Quadraphonic) | 1976 | His Master's Voice |
| 28 |  |
William Mathias, Christopher Herrick – Music For Organ(LP, Stereo) | 1975 | L'Oiseau-Lyre |
| 29 |  |
Dance Overture / Ave Rex - A Carol Sequence / Invocation And Dance / Harp Concerto(LP, Stereo) | 1973 | Decca |
| 30 |  |
Alun Hoddinott, William Mathias, Peter Katin With London Symphony Orch., David Atherton (2) – Three Welsh Concertos(LP, Stereo) | 1972 | Decca |
| 31 |  |
Daniel Jones (5), William Mathias - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves – Symphony No. 6 / Symphony No. 1(LP, Stereo) | 1970 | Virtuoso Series |
| 32 |  |
Sir Michael Tippett, Alan Ridout, William Mathias, Malcolm Arnold – Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra | 1967 | Pye Golden Guinea Records |
| 33 |  |
Samuel Barber / Gyorgy Ligeti / William Mathias, Mark Carlson (2) - Westwood Wind Quintet – Summer Music / Six Bagatelles / Quintet / Nightwings For Woodwind Quintet & Tape(CD, ) | - | Crystal Records (5) |
Leave a Reply