This is the second year the #ClassicsaDay team went with a Classical Christmas theme. And that’s fine. If you think about it, composers have been writing works for the season as long as there’s been notation to preserve them. For my contributions, I tried to avoid the obvious choices. In the process, I discovered some […]
Michael Torke
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#ClassicsaDay #NAFTAclassics Week 1
We have an international mix of contributors to the #ClassicsaDay feed. July has significant holidays for two of the three countries in North America. So, at the suggestion of a Canadian contributor, July became #NAFTAclassics, marking Canada Day (July 1) and Independence Day (July 4). Mexico doesn’t have a July holiday, but we decided to […]
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Unconquered – Michael Torke Expresses Positive Patriotism
In my opinion, Michael Torke is something of a national treasure. He has the rare ability to take elements of American culture and develop them with all the tools of a contemporary classical composer. The end result is music that sounds distinctly American. It’s always connected to the traditions of the past, but with a […]
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Michael Torke – Concerto for Orchestra runs true to form
I’ve liked everything I’ve heard by Michael Torke. In my opinion, his musical style seems to sit a sweet spot — his language is tonal without being tied to tradition, his rhythms propulsive without the intense repetition of minimalism (some consider him post-minimalist). The Concerto for Orchestra starts with a very simple motif — C-G-C-A. […]
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Michael Torke Tahiti – No Trouble Here
This release pairs two Michael Torke works inspired by the South Seas – “Tahiti” and “Fiji.” Besides the geographical connection, it’s a logical program choice. Both works were written for a small chamber orchestra, and both have a similar feel. “Fiji” is a 17-minute composition that pulls the listener into a Martin Denny-style Quiet Village […]