Composer Michael Torke.
In a world where new music is often dark, sombre and as serious as a heart-attack, Michael Torke’s bright, joyful scores are a breath of fresh air. Perhaps there’s also a touch of irony in his music, too – but if so, it’s charming and good natured.
Torke was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1961, and he studied at Eastman and Yale. His music is thoroughly American (and I mean that in a good way). There’s some jazz and swing, some Bernstein on Broadway, a big tip of the hat to Steve Reich, a dash of Copland, and marching bands proudly parade through it. (For more information on Torke, see here.)
Torke was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1961, and he studied at Eastman and Yale. His music is thoroughly American (and I mean that in a good way). There’s some jazz and swing, some Bernstein on Broadway, a big tip of the hat to Steve Reich, a dash of Copland, and marching bands proudly parade through it. (For more information on Torke, see here.)
Some of his compositions are “colourful” in a very personal and particular way. Like Olivier Messiaen, he’s one of those people who perceive a direct correlation between sound and colour.
Here’s a boisterous blast of synesthesia called Green – an early work that Torke wrote in 1986. I don’t know which orchestra this is, but they play with plenty of energy and conviction.
© 2012 Colin Eatock
Here’s a boisterous blast of synesthesia called Green – an early work that Torke wrote in 1986. I don’t know which orchestra this is, but they play with plenty of energy and conviction.
© 2012 Colin Eatock
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