Robert Matthew-Walker

English composer, editor, broadcaster and former record company executive Robert Matthew-Walker was born in Lewisham, London on 23 July 1939. After army service, he studied composition privately with Darius Milhaud in Paris.

He has a substantial output as a composer, including six symphonies, plus concertos, string quartets and much music for piano.

He joined CBS Records in 1970 and became head of the classical music department three months later and then director of marketing in 1974. In 1975 he became head of the classical department at RCA Records. Later he founded several specialist classical labels, including AVM Classics, Phoenix Records and Trax Records. As a record producer, Matthew-Walker has more than 130 albums to his credit, and has won several awards.

He has edited a series of high profile magazines and journals - Music and Musicians, The Grieg Companion, Musical Opinion and The Organ - and has written a series of books, mostly about music.

 

A selection of articles about Robert Matthew-Walker

CD Spotlight. An Intriguing Snapshot - Keith Bramich listens to piano music by Robert Matthew-Walker. 'Mark Bebbington ... is exemplary here, bringing out all the contrasts and mood changes ...'

CD Spotlight. Uncloaking a Sonic Universe - John Dante Prevedini listens to Rebeca Omordia's album 'African Pianism'. '... a compact, balanced and vital gateway to the work of African composers in the Western classical tradition ...'

CD Spotlight. Vivacious Performances - Music from Scotland, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a spectacular album full of inspirational melodies that go straight to the heart.'