The writing is energetic, skilful, imaginative, and organic, as Matthews’ music always is …
— Stephen Pettitt, The Times
String Quartet no.1 (1979)
Commissioned through the Aldeburgh Festival-Snape Maltings Foundation for the 33rd Aldeburgh Festival. First Performed at Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh, Suffolk in June 1980 by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet.