1.6 Pentecost-III. Et Tui Amoris in Eis Ignem Accende. Alleluia
1.7 Odd Sympathies
1.8 Weave
1.9 Haydn Seek
1.10 Stolen Rhythm
1.11 Innocente
1.12 Butterfly
1.13 Joplin Jigsaws-I. Leap Flame
1.14 Joplin Jigsaws-II. Enabeth #1
1.15 Joplin Jigsaws-III. Nerrataiente #1
1.16 Joplin Jigsaws-IV. Enabeth #2
1.17 Joplin Jigsaws-V. Tag Rime
1.18 Joplin Jigsaws-VI. Enabeth #3
1.19 Joplin Jigsaws-VII. Nerrataiente #2
1.20 Chop and Change
1.21 Two Pieces for James-I. James's Jaunt
1.22 Two Pieces for James-II. Potts's Pavane
1.23 Willows
1.24 Jitterbug
Description:
"Odd Sympathies" is an audio CD that showcases the refined artistry and interpretive depth of pianist Matthew Schellhorn. Centred on sophisticated contemporary and 20th-/21st-century classical repertoire, the album explores contrasting emotional landscapes, shifting between lyrical introspection, rhythmic tension and moments of luminous clarity. The recording is characterised by an intimate, detailed sound image that lets the listener follow every nuance of touch and phrasing, making it ideal both for focused listening and for rediscovering the expressive possibilities of the modern piano. Matthew Schellhorn is known as a committed advocate of new music and of lesser-known composers, combining a highly polished technique with intellectual curiosity. His performances and recordings have been noted for their structural clarity and subtle colour palette, as well as for the seriousness with which he approaches complex scores. With "Odd Sympathies", he offers a carefully curated programme that invites the listener into a world of refined modernism rather than easy effect, rewarding repeated listening with new details and connections. The CD is produced by the label First Hand, a company respected for its carefully engineered classical releases and its focus on artist-driven projects. First Hand is known for high production values, thoughtful booklet texts and a catalogue that often features distinctive, sometimes exploratory repertoire rather than mainstream crowd-pleasers. With this release, the label once again underlines its commitment to giving space to strong artistic voices and to documenting programmes that might otherwise remain underrepresented in the commercial market. In combination, Matthew Schellhorn's sensitive pianism and First Hand's meticulous production result in a recording that will appeal to listeners interested in contemporary and modern classical music, to collectors seeking repertoire beyond the standard canon, and to anyone who values musical intelligence paired with emotional immediacy. "Odd Sympathies" is not just a recital on disc, but a coherent musical journey whose title captures the subtle, sometimes unsettling resonance between pieces, styles and moods.
