Michael Cooke

In this episode, we’re joined by composer Yangfan Xu, whose fusion of Chinese heritage and global influences creates a unique blend of contemporary classical music. Yangfan transforms rich multicultural experiences into captivating musical stories. A visionary, she has captured the hearts of international audiences by weaving these experiences into the fabric of her music. We discuss how she uses narratives to deepen the connection to her listeners. We’ll delve into her creative process behind works like Fantastic Creatures of the Mountains and Seas, inspired by ancient Chinese folklore, Jungle Sway, and the multimedia-enhanced Turn Me into Ocean. The resonating message from this interview is clear: music is more than sound; it’s a medium for storytelling, connecting cultures, and exploring new worlds. Yangfan Xu isn’t just composing music; she’s crafting epics.

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Delve into an enlightening journey into the mind of Joseph Klein, a revered composer and my former composition professor, as we explore the innovative world of his musical creations on this episode of Music from Humans. Known for his unique approach exploring modular forms, and recombinant properties of music, Joseph opens up about his long-term project, Canetti-Menagerie, which brings literary characters to life through music. Inspired by Elias Canetti’s “Earwitness: Fifty Characters,” Joseph discusses how his compositions have transformed over three decades into a full-fledged theatrical experience. Tune in to learn about the intersection of music, literature, and performance in Joseph’s work.

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On this episode of Music from Humans, host Michael Cooke continues the conversation with Stephen Main, a multifaceted composer, conductor, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. In this follow up to The Art of Music Improvisation, Stephen shares his thoughts on how counterpoint is more important the harmony especially when improvising.

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Prepare to enter a world where sound, art, and nature become one in the hands of Cheryl E. Leonard, a San Francisco-based composer, performer, and instrument builder. Cheryl’s unique approach involves creating musical instruments from materials like stones, ice, and water, collected from nature. In this episode, she shares how her experiences in remote locales, especially Antarctica, inspire her compositions and help reimagine our connection with the environment.

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On this episode of Music from Humans, host Michael Cooke continues the conversation with Stephen Main, a multifaceted composer, conductor, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. In this follow up to The Art of Music Improvisation, Stephen shares his thoughts on what composers should do to be came better composers.

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On this episode of Music from Humans, host Michael Cooke engages with Stephen Main, a multifaceted composer, conductor, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. As the Minister of Music at Piedmont Community Church, Stephen brings a rich narrative of a musical career that traverses choral, orchestral, and film music, grounded in his foundational skills as an organist trained at Oberlin Conservatory.

Our discussion delves deep into the core of musical creativity—improvisation. Stephen shares his profound connection with historical musical practices, highlighting how improvisation shaped the Western musical canon, from Bach to contemporary compositions. He argues passionately for the reintegration of spontaneous creativity in classical music performances, drawing parallels between the roles of an organist and a film score composer in creating adaptive, atmospheric music.

This episode not only explores Stephen’s personal and professional musical philosophies but also ignites a conversation on the transformative power of live improvisation in enriching modern classical music. Join us as we explore how the historical threads of improvisation continue to weave through the fabric of today’s musical landscapes, promising a rejuvenated appreciation for live, dynamic expressions in music.

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In this episode, I’m excited to introduce Emily Koh, a Singaporean composer and bassist renowned for her groundbreaking work in microtonality. Now based in Atlanta as a professor at the University of Georgia, Emily is pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.

Hailed as “the future of composing” by The Straits Times, Emily’s works have been performed globally, and she has earned prestigious honors like the Copland House Residency Award. Her music blends intricate microtonal scales with innovative techniques, creating an otherworldly sonic experience.

In our conversation, Emily shares her journey into microtonality, starting with her early days as a bassist and a transformative trip to Bali, where she encountered Gamelan ensembles. We also explore how she composes microtonal music and her work developing custom instruments like the Microharmonic and ModμMIDI, which allow musicians to explore this complex sound world in new ways.

Whether you’re a fan of microtonality or curious about the future of music, this episode offers unique insights into the creative process behind Emily Koh’s extraordinary work.

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In this episode as we delve into the inspiring world of Stephen Lias, a composer whose work celebrates the majesty of America’s national parks. From Denali’s rugged peaks to the mysterious depths of Carlsbad Caverns, Stephen’s music transports listeners into the wilderness through his vivid sonic landscapes.

Stephen, a professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, has collaborated with top orchestras like the Boulder Philharmonic and the Russian String Orchestra. Today, we explore his creative journey, discussing the intricacies of composing music that echoes nature’s splendor and the practical aspects of his artistic career, including the business of music, and how a well-crafted contract can protect artistic vision.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Stephen Lias, where music meets the wild. Subscribe to “Music from Humans” for more insights into the lives of creators who make our world a richer place through their art.

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