Blue Music

Seven of Michael Torke's most popular orchestral showstoppers are presented on this 2012 compilation in Decca's 20C series, which surveys the most important works of the 20th century. The listener who is unacquainted with Torke's eclectic and ingenious compositions will get a clear idea of their originality as well as their slickness, and the high energy of his music as a whole is likely to leave a strong impression.

Music for Airport Furniture is a gorgeous minimalist work in which a string quartet broods on limited harmonic material; occasionally, a hint of melody ruffles its slow-moving and placid (but is it really?) surface. It doesn’t take much imagination to hear Whittington’s (b. 1953) description of the emotions associated with airports mirrored in this work, which is nearly monotonous but never boring, given the sensuousness of the harmonies. Imagine Bernard Herrmann crossed with Morton Feldman (Bernard Feldman? Morton Herrmann? Burton Mannfeld?), and you’ll get the general idea. ... It’s a beautifully creepy way to spend 23 minutes.

Dutch rock group. Formed in 1967 by former Motions, The guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen, joined by Cor van der Beek (drums), Klaasje van der Wal (bass) and Fred de Wilde (vocals). Their first single hit the Dutch Top 40 in 1968. Shortly thereafter, Mariska Veres replaced de Wilde as their lead vocalist. In 1969 and 1970, the group enjoyed a worldwide chart success with “Venus”, followed by several other hit singles…