Martin Kiszko
Encyclopedia
Martin Edmund Kiszko is a British
composer
, musicologist and librettist. He is best known for his film and television scores.
and from Leeds
, England
. Kiszko began his music studies at age seven and was accepted at the Leeds City College
of Music at age ten.
He studied music composition with Duncan Druce at Bretton Hall College (University of Leeds
) and filmmaking with George Brandt at the University of Bristol
, where he directed and scored the short film Skokholm Light. He later studied with Wyndham Thomas at Bristol
to complete his Ph.D.
thesis on the growth of balalaika
orchestras and the migration of the balalaika.
Kiszko’s interests in film music were nurtured by veteran film composer Edward Williams, who was mentored by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams
and British conductor Muir Matheson. Kiszko assisted Williams from 1979 onwards when he began work on co-producing Williams' album Music for Life on Earth for the BBC
David Attenborough
series of the same name. They also created a touring live performance multi-media group – creating performances where instrumentalists transformed sound and video image in real time. The group has grown into the successful music and multi-media organisation Elektrodome.
Amongst Kiszko’s well known works are many of his film and TV scores: The Killing of John Lennon, The Uninvited, The Human Sexes, Alien Empire, Battle of the Sexes, Realms of the Russian Bear, Land of the Eagle, Omnibus, Newsround
, Wildlife on One
and The Natural World. Several of his scores have won awards, including Best Music Video for DreamWorks, an eight-minute natural history promo made by the BBC
for Steven Spielberg
. He has also released eight albums featuring major European orchestras.
Kiszko's popularity increased as a result of introducing the BBC Natural History Unit
to the possibilities for sampling indigenous instruments overseas on Realms of the Russian Bear. He successfully pioneered the technique by recording instrumentalists from the former Soviet republics at the Melodia Recording Studios, Moscow in 1991. The recordings were subsequently inputted into keyboard samplers. Later, his interest in the palette and epic scale of symphonic scores enabled him to introduce the BBC Natural History Unit to the use of Eastern European Orchestras in the mid-nineties. Most recently Kiszko has returned to the electro-acoustic palette of his earlier works in the score for Andrew Piddington's feature film The Killing of John Lennon.
Kiszko’s film music draws on an eclectic range of styles and devices whilst maintaining an original voice. Amongst his interests are the symphony orchestra, electronic music
, the use of autochthonous instruments and the subliminal
effects of the film score. He has also worked in the rock and folk arenas with band Lies Damned Lies (as a Navajo
flute player) and with Maddy Prior on a collaborative score for the BBC Wildlife on One
film Shadow of the Hare.
His interest in the live interplay of image and music has led him to experiment and create with Soundbeam
, an ultrasonic series of beams that act as invisible keyboards in space. With each beam containing up to 128 invisible divisions, each division can become the start and stop button to turn on and project a video sequence, a sequence of a stills or trigger a sequence or note of music. His work, in conjunction with The Soundbeam Project, led to the creation of Inua
, a live performance piece which won 2004 Composer of the Year (Community and Education) from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
As well as his film and television work, Kiszko's major concert works include two cantatas: Sea Star with a libretto by poet Anne Ridler
OBE, and A Radius of Curves – a work with his own libretto and accompanying film – which tells the story of the construction of Brunel's Great Western Railway
.
Kiszko completed his Ph.D. thesis, "The Origins and Place of the Balalaika
in Russian Culture
, its Migration to the USA, and the Dissemination of Balalaika Orchestras in America with Particular Reference to the Kasura and Kutin Collections at the University of Illinois," in 1999. His research paper on the instrument, "The Balalaika - a Reappraisal", was the first to be published in the West since 1900 and appeared in The Galpin Society Journal. He later wrote the entry for the balalaika in The New Grove Dictionary of Music.
Feature Drama Scores
Shorts
Albums and Album Tracks
Film Drama Scores - Titles and Incidental Music
Animation
Social Documentaries
Natural History
Series titles music : as above plus
Light entertainment
Corporate theatrical Release
Commercials
Dance, concert, and stage works
Church Works
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, musicologist and librettist. He is best known for his film and television scores.
Biography
Kiszko's family hails from BelarusBelarus
Belarus , officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital is Minsk; other major cities include Brest, Grodno , Gomel ,...
and from Leeds
Leeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Kiszko began his music studies at age seven and was accepted at the Leeds City College
Leeds City College
Leeds City College is the largest Further education establishment in the City of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, with around 57,000 students, 2,300 staff and an annual turnover of £78 million. It officially opened on 1 April 2009...
of Music at age ten.
He studied music composition with Duncan Druce at Bretton Hall College (University of Leeds
University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is a British Redbrick university located in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
) and filmmaking with George Brandt at the University of Bristol
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is...
, where he directed and scored the short film Skokholm Light. He later studied with Wyndham Thomas at Bristol
Bristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
to complete his Ph.D.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree.Ph.D. may also refer to:* Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*Piled Higher and Deeper, a web comic strip*PhD: Phantasy Degree, a Korean comic series* PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
thesis on the growth of balalaika
Balalaika
The balalaika is a stringed musical instrument popular in Russia, with a characteristic triangular body and three strings.The balalaika family of instruments includes instruments of various sizes, from the highest-pitched to the lowest, the prima balalaika, secunda balalaika, alto balalaika, bass...
orchestras and the migration of the balalaika.
Kiszko’s interests in film music were nurtured by veteran film composer Edward Williams, who was mentored by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Ralph Vaughan Williams OM was an English composer of symphonies, chamber music, opera, choral music, and film scores. He was also a collector of English folk music and song: this activity both influenced his editorial approach to the English Hymnal, beginning in 1904, in which he included many...
and British conductor Muir Matheson. Kiszko assisted Williams from 1979 onwards when he began work on co-producing Williams' album Music for Life on Earth for the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
David Attenborough
David Attenborough
Sir David Frederick Attenborough OM, CH, CVO, CBE, FRS, FZS, FSA is a British broadcaster and naturalist. His career as the face and voice of natural history programmes has endured for more than 50 years...
series of the same name. They also created a touring live performance multi-media group – creating performances where instrumentalists transformed sound and video image in real time. The group has grown into the successful music and multi-media organisation Elektrodome.
Amongst Kiszko’s well known works are many of his film and TV scores: The Killing of John Lennon, The Uninvited, The Human Sexes, Alien Empire, Battle of the Sexes, Realms of the Russian Bear, Land of the Eagle, Omnibus, Newsround
Newsround
Newsround is a BBC children's news programme, which has run continuously since 4 April 1972, and was one of the world's first television news magazines aimed specifically at children...
, Wildlife on One
Wildlife on One
Wildlife on One was the BBC's flagship natural history programme, first broadcast in 1977. Each programme ran for half an hour. The narrator was Sir David Attenborough. When repeated on BBC2, the programmes were retitled Wildlife on Two. The programme was terminated in 2005.The 2003 season...
and The Natural World. Several of his scores have won awards, including Best Music Video for DreamWorks, an eight-minute natural history promo made by the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
for Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg
Steven Allan Spielberg KBE is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, video game designer, and studio entrepreneur. In a career of more than four decades, Spielberg's films have covered many themes and genres. Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films were seen as an...
. He has also released eight albums featuring major European orchestras.
Kiszko's popularity increased as a result of introducing the BBC Natural History Unit
BBC Natural History Unit
The BBC Natural History Unit is a department of the BBC dedicated to making television and radio programmes with a natural history or wildlife theme, especially nature documentaries...
to the possibilities for sampling indigenous instruments overseas on Realms of the Russian Bear. He successfully pioneered the technique by recording instrumentalists from the former Soviet republics at the Melodia Recording Studios, Moscow in 1991. The recordings were subsequently inputted into keyboard samplers. Later, his interest in the palette and epic scale of symphonic scores enabled him to introduce the BBC Natural History Unit to the use of Eastern European Orchestras in the mid-nineties. Most recently Kiszko has returned to the electro-acoustic palette of his earlier works in the score for Andrew Piddington's feature film The Killing of John Lennon.
Kiszko’s film music draws on an eclectic range of styles and devices whilst maintaining an original voice. Amongst his interests are the symphony orchestra, electronic music
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
, the use of autochthonous instruments and the subliminal
Subliminal stimuli
Subliminal stimuli , contrary to supraliminal stimuli or "above threshold", are any sensory stimuli below an individual's threshold for conscious perception. The large majority of research has found that subliminal messages do not produce strong or lasting changes in behavior...
effects of the film score. He has also worked in the rock and folk arenas with band Lies Damned Lies (as a Navajo
Navajo music
Navajo music is music made by Navajos, mostly hailing from the Four Corners region of the Southwestern United States and the territory of the Navajo Nation...
flute player) and with Maddy Prior on a collaborative score for the BBC Wildlife on One
Wildlife on One
Wildlife on One was the BBC's flagship natural history programme, first broadcast in 1977. Each programme ran for half an hour. The narrator was Sir David Attenborough. When repeated on BBC2, the programmes were retitled Wildlife on Two. The programme was terminated in 2005.The 2003 season...
film Shadow of the Hare.
His interest in the live interplay of image and music has led him to experiment and create with Soundbeam
Soundbeam
Soundbeam is an interactive MIDI hardware and software system developed by The Soundbeam Project / EMS in which movement within a series of ultrasonic beams and is used to control multimedia Hardware / software.- System :...
, an ultrasonic series of beams that act as invisible keyboards in space. With each beam containing up to 128 invisible divisions, each division can become the start and stop button to turn on and project a video sequence, a sequence of a stills or trigger a sequence or note of music. His work, in conjunction with The Soundbeam Project, led to the creation of Inua
Inua
In Inuit mythology, an inua is a spirit or soul that exists in all people, animals, lakes, mountains, and plants. They were sometimes personified in mythology. The concept is similar to mana. For arctic people, human and animals are equal - All life has the same kind of soul or "life essence"...
, a live performance piece which won 2004 Composer of the Year (Community and Education) from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
As well as his film and television work, Kiszko's major concert works include two cantatas: Sea Star with a libretto by poet Anne Ridler
Anne Ridler
Anne Barbara Ridler OBE was a British poet, and Faber and Faber editor, selecting the Faber A Little Book of Modern Verse with T. S. Eliot . Her Collected Poems were published in 1994...
OBE, and A Radius of Curves – a work with his own libretto and accompanying film – which tells the story of the construction of Brunel's Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway
The Great Western Railway was a British railway company that linked London with the south-west and west of England and most of Wales. It was founded in 1833, received its enabling Act of Parliament in 1835 and ran its first trains in 1838...
.
Kiszko completed his Ph.D. thesis, "The Origins and Place of the Balalaika
Balalaika
The balalaika is a stringed musical instrument popular in Russia, with a characteristic triangular body and three strings.The balalaika family of instruments includes instruments of various sizes, from the highest-pitched to the lowest, the prima balalaika, secunda balalaika, alto balalaika, bass...
in Russian Culture
Russian culture
Russian culture is associated with the country of Russia and, sometimes, specifically with ethnic Russians. It has a rich history and can boast a long tradition of excellence in every aspect of the arts, especially when it comes to literature and philosophy, classical music and ballet, architecture...
, its Migration to the USA, and the Dissemination of Balalaika Orchestras in America with Particular Reference to the Kasura and Kutin Collections at the University of Illinois," in 1999. His research paper on the instrument, "The Balalaika - a Reappraisal", was the first to be published in the West since 1900 and appeared in The Galpin Society Journal. He later wrote the entry for the balalaika in The New Grove Dictionary of Music.
Career highlights
- 1976 - 79 Studies Music, Fine Art and Interarts at Bretton Hall College, University of LeedsUniversity of LeedsThe University of Leeds is a British Redbrick university located in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
. - 1979 - 80 Studies Film and Television at University of BristolUniversity of BristolThe University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is...
. - 1980 - 83 Assists veteran film composer Edward Williams and co-founds the touring ensemble Uncle Jambo’s Pendular Vibrations (later Elektrodome).
- 1983 - 98 Completion of over 200 film and TV scores. Merit Award and Best Music Video Award at Missoula Film Festival USA. Contributor Award at Jackson Hole Film Festival.
- 1999 Awarded Phd from the University of BristolUniversity of BristolThe University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is...
for work on the migration of the BalalaikaBalalaikaThe balalaika is a stringed musical instrument popular in Russia, with a characteristic triangular body and three strings.The balalaika family of instruments includes instruments of various sizes, from the highest-pitched to the lowest, the prima balalaika, secunda balalaika, alto balalaika, bass...
. - 2001 Voyage to Antarctica inspiring the composition of the cantata Sea Star.
- 2002 Writes and directs first UK video on The Art of the Film Score.
- 2004 Awarded 2004 Composer of the Year (Community and Education Category) from The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
- 2006 Commission for cantata A Radius of Curves to celebrate Brunel’s 200th birthday.
- 2007 Commission of the score for major British movie, The Killing of John Lennon.
Full credits list: Film, TV, concert and multi-media scores
Cinematic Features- 2007 - The Killing of John Lennon, 1 × 112’
Feature Drama Scores
- Zastrozzi - A Romance (C4/WNET) 1 × 90’. 102’ chamber orchestral score.
- Black Hearts in Battersea (BBC) 2 × 90’. 79’ score. Chamber orchestral and sampled. Also conductor.
- The Levels (HTV) 1 × 90’. 26’ sampled score.
- The Uninvited (ITV/Zenith) 2 × 2hrs. Orchestral and sampled. Also conductor.
Shorts
- The Nutter Tales, Children’s Series TV Pilot for The Mob Film Co. Director Vadim Jean.
- DreamWorks Promo (BBC) 1997. Requested by Steven Spielberg - an 8’ 30” orchestral score featuring City of Prague Philharmonic. Awarded Best Music Video, Missoula Film Festival, USA, 1997.
- Millennium Dome (BBC) 6 × 30’. 1999. Films for the BBC and Millennium Dome.
- Unification - King Abdul Aziz (Saudi Arabian National Museum) 1998. 15’ orchestral score for City of Prague Philharmonic to accompany film and laser show at the museum.
Albums and Album Tracks
- The Ocellus Suite, - Featuring the music from the BBC’s Alien Empire. (Soundtrack/EMI Records) 72’ 1996. Album of Martin Kiszko music featuring the Munich Symphony Orchestra.
- The Uninvited (OceanDeep Soundtracks) 71’ 1997. Album of Martin Kiszko music performed and conducted by Martin Kiszko and featuring the London Film Orchestra.
- The Age Demanded, 74’ 1999. Album of Martin Kiszko music representing works since 1983.
- Battle of the Sexes (BBC/Silva Screen Records) 60’ 1999. Album of Martin Kiszko music featuring City of Prague Philharmonic.
- The Millennium March, 1999. Spoof album to mark the Millennium. Performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic and Martin Kiszko.
- Sea Star, 2001. Cantata for Tenor, 150 singers and symphony Orchestra. Words by Anne Ridler. World Premiere recording. June 30, 2001. Clifton Cathedral, Bristol.
- A Radius of Curves, 2006. Cantata for soloist, choir, orchestra and film. Words by Brunel/Martin Kiszko. Commissioned by Brunel 200 to celebrate IK Brunel’s 200th Birthday. World premiere March 31, 2006, Clifton Cathedral, Bristol.
- St. John’s School Millennium CD 2000. Originator, Executive Producer and Sound Producer for this package which portrays the lives of 260 children during Millennium year.
- Maddy Prior - Year, Composition of track 9d ‘Winter Wakeneth’.
- Lies Damned Lies - Flying Kites, Navajo flute performance and arrangement on track ‘The Big Picture.’
- The Killing of John Lennon (2007) Original Soundtrack Score composed and conducted by Martin Kiszko. 57’ 00”. Featuring the Emerald EnsembleEmerald EnsembleThe Bristol Ensemble, formerly the Emerald Ensemble, is a professional chamber orchestra, based in Bristol, England. The ensemble has been in existence since 1994, when it was formed as a musician's collective by violinist Roger Huckle. Their repertoire includes classical, popular, jazz and...
.
Film Drama Scores - Titles and Incidental Music
- The Uninvited (ITV/Zenith) 4 × 60’ Drama Series. 1997. 80’ Chamber orchestral and sampled score.
- Zastrozzi-a Romance (C4) 4 × 50’ Drama Series. 1986. 102’ Chamber orchestral score.
- Capture
- Conspiracy
- Seduction
- Murder
- Black Hearts in Battersea (BBC1) 6 × 30’ Drama Series. 1995. 79’ Chamber orchestral and sampled score. Also conductor.
- Just Desserts (HTV) 1 × 30’ Drama directed by Vadim Jean. 2000. Instrumental and sampled score.
- Steps (HTV) 1 × 30’ Drama directed by Martin Kiszko. 2000. Sampled score.
- The Levels (ITV Feature Film) 1 × 90'. Sampled score.
Animation
- Sweet Disaster (C4) 5 × 10’ animation series.
- Series titles and incidental for films Dreamless Sleep (Best Film Zagreb Festival 1986) and
Conversations by a Californian Swimming Pool. Electronic and musique-concrete scores performed by Martin Kiszko.
Social Documentaries
- Skin Deep (Discovery) 3 × 50’ 2002. For Vadim Jean’s The Mob Productions. Acoustic jazz score. Also conductor.
- Life Class (Carlton/HTV) 7 × 30’. 2002. Sampled Score.
- City of Fire (HTV) 1 × 25’. 2000. Sampled score.
- Who on Earth (BBC1) 5 × 15’. 1999. Instrumental, vocal and sampled score. Also conductor.
- Hotel (HTV/ITV) 6 × 30’. 1997. 40’ Sampled Score.
- Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
- Peas and Queues
- Goodbye Mr. Kitts
- Jobs for the Boys
- Christmas Spirit
- Spoiled for Choice
- The Nineties (BBC2) 8 X 40’.1993. 86’ Chamber Orchestral Score. Also Conductor.
- And They Sailed Away
- The Demon in the Glass
- Fresh Air and Fun
- I Married a Stranger
- All Your Kisses Are Mine
- You Win Some, You Lose Some
- We Grinned and Bared it
- Pennies on Their Eyes
- A New Way of Living (ITV) 6 × 30’. 1986. Chamber orchestral score. Also conductor.
- The Countryside in Question (ITV) 6 X 40’. 1987. Chamber Orchestral And Vocal Score. Also Conductor.
- A Green and Pleasant Land
- Change in The Village
- Pleasing Prospects
- A Natural World?
- An Urban Playspace
- Whose Countryside?
- Channel Traders (ITV) 5 X 30’. 1988. Sampled Score.
- Voyage Of The Irene
- Bound For Gloucester
- Cruise With The Waverley
- Voyage With The Peggy
- Peggy - Out Of Ilfracombe
- The K and A (The Kennett And Avon Canal) (HTV/C4) 4 X 30’. 1990. Sampled Score.
- By Honey Street To The Thames
- The Big Lift
- A Breath Of Fresh Air
- The Last Lock
- Omagh - One Year On (ITV) 1999. Instrumental Score. also conductor/performer.
- War and Peace - Gaze of the Gorgon (BBC) 1992. by Tony Harrison. Chamber orchestral and sampled score. Also conductor.
- Splendid Hearts - Enniskillen (BBC) 1992. Instrumental score. Also conductor.
- Paradise Road (A Night of Love) - How to Write a Mills and Boon (BBC) 1992. Chamber orchestral score. Also conductor.
- Seven Faces of Everest (BBC) 1993. Sampled score.
- Locomotion - Ep: 2 Taming the Iron Monster (BBC) 1993. Incidental choral and chamber orchestral score.
- Hotel - Network Version (ITV) 1997. Sampled score.
- Imperial Splendours - A Dreamworld of Palaces in Paradise (Readers Digest) Sampled score.
Natural History
- Battle of The Sexes (BBC/Discovery) 6 X 30’. 1999. 80’ Score for City Of Prague Philharmonic.
- Ways of Being Male
- Choosy Females
- Race for The Egg
- Parental Dilemma
- Family Affairs
- The Riddle of Sex
- Alien Empire (BBC1/WNET) 6 X 30’ 1995. 90’ Orchestral Score Performed By Munich Symphony Orchestra.
- Hardware
- Replicators
- Battlezone
- Voyagers
- Metropolis
- War of The Worlds
- Desmond Morris’ The Human Sexes (Discovery/BBC) 6 X 60’. 1997. 70’ Chamber orchestral and sampled score. Also conductor.
- Male and Female
- Language of the Sexes
- Patterns of Love
- Passages of Life
- The Maternal Dilemma
- The Gender Wars
- Realms of the Russian Bear (BBC/WNET) 6 X 50’. 1992. 94’ Score For Orchestra, Russian Native Instruments And Samples.
Recorded Moscow And London. Grand Teton Award, Jackson Hole Film Festival, Usa, 1993 - Best Film Series.
- Realms of the Russian Bear (BBC/WNET) 6 X 50’. 1992. 94’ Score For Orchestra, Russian Native Instruments And Samples.
- Green Jewel Of The Caspian
- Into The Celestial Mountains
- The Red Deserts
- The Arctic Frontier
- The Frozen Forest
- Born Of Fire
- Land Of The Eagle (BBC/WNET) 8 X 50’. 1989. 160’ Score For Orchestra, Early Music Ensemble, Native American Instruments, Vocals And Samples.
- The Great Encounter
- Confronting the Wilderness
- Conquering the Swamps
- Across the Sea of Grass
- Into the Shining Mountains
- Living on the Edge
- The First and Last Frontier
- Searching for Paradise
- Magic Animals (BBC) 4 X 30’. 1994. Sampled score performed by Martin Kiszko.
- The Wolf
- The Bear
- The Dolphin
- The Snake
- The Natural History of an AlienNatural History of an AlienNatural History of an Alien also known as "Anatomy of an Alien" in the US was an early Discovery Channel show similar to Alien Planet. This show featured various alien ecosystem projects from the Epona Project to Ringworld. It also featured many notable scientists and science fiction authors such...
(BBC) 1997. As part of the BBC’s ‘Life on Mars’ weekend. Sampled score. - World About Us - Forest in the Sea (BBC) 1983. Electro-acoustic score.
- Wildlife On One - Watervoles, a Life on the Edge (BBC) 1999. Sampled score.
- Wildlife On One - Shadow of the Hare (BBC) Chamber orchestral score with vocalist Maddy Prior. Also conductor.
- Wildlife On One - They Came from the Sea (BBC) Sampled score.
- Wildlife On One - The Tale of the Pregnant Male (BBC) Sampled score.
- Wildlife On One - Who Really Killed Cock Robin? (BBC) Sampled score.
- Wildlife On One - Kingdom of the Crabs (BBC) Sampled score. Winner of award for creative use of music and wildlife for education., 12th international Wildlife Film Festival, Missoula USA. 1989.
- Wildlife On One - Trivial Pursuit: The Natural Mystery of Play. (BBC) Sampled score.
- Wildlife On One - Blubber Lovers (BBC) String quartet and slide guitar. Also conductor.
- Wildlife On One - The Eagle Empire (BBC) Sampled and vocal score.
- Wildlife Showcase - A Symphony of Magic: Wild Orchids in Israel (BBC) Electronic score.
- The Natural World – Australia, Taking the Heat (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural World - The Taming of the Ewe (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural World - Even the Animals Must Be Free (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural World - Arctic Wanderers (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural World - Birdnuts: The Magnificent Obsession (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural World - Treasure of the Andes (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural World - Ytene the Ancient Forest (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural World - Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon (BBC) Featuring Chinese instruments performed by Zhao Ben, China’s foremost multi-instrumentalist. Also conductor.
- The Natural World - Bower Bird: Playboy of the Australian Forest (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural World - Himalaya (BBC) Vocal and sampled score.
- The Natural World - Mandrills: Painted Faces of the Forest (BBC) African Instrumental Score.
- The Natural World – Australia – Taking the Heat (BBC) 2005 Sampled score
- Born to be Wild - Operation Lemur with John Cleese (BBC) Sampled score. Unused.
- Nature - Death on the St. Lawrence (BBC) Sampled score.
- Nature - the Fourth Hurdle (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Nature of Australia, Ep.2 a Separate Creation. (BBC) Sampled score for kangaroo birth sequence.
- Franz Josef Land - A Frozen Wilderness, Ep: 3 An Arctic Secret (Partridge Films/Austrian TV) 1997. Sampled and vocal score. Also conductor.
- Alien Empire, - Series promo (BBC) Sampled score.
- The Natural History of an Alien
Series titles music : as above plus
- Tastes Of Britain (C4) 1998. Sampled score.
- Omnibus (BBC) 1987–1990. Sampled score.
- Murder Squad (ITV) 1991–1994. Chamber orchestral and sampled score. Also conductor.
- The Natural World (BBC) 1992–1994. Orchestral score. Also conductor.
- The Natural World (BBC) 1996–2000. Instrumental and sampled score. Also conductor.
- The Natural World (BBC) 2000–2003. Instrumental and sampled Score.
- The Natural World Classics (BBC) 1997. Sampled score.
- The Art Of Pleasing People (C4) 1987. Sampled score.
- Food And Drink (BBC) 1984–1986. Electronic score.
- Miniature Worlds (BBC) 1987–1995. Electronic score.
- Couples (BBC) 1987. Instrumental and electronic score.
- Wildworld (BBC) 1986–1995. Sampled score.
- Wildscreen, ‘86 (C4) 1986. Orchestral score. Also conductor.
- Hand In Hand (C4) 1986–1988. Instrumental and electronic score. Also conductor.
- Hand In Hand (C4) 1988–1990. Instrumental score. Also conductor.
- Weekend Outlook (HTV) 1984–1986. Electronic score.
- Scene (HTV) 1987–1989. Electronic and instrumental score.
- Hazard A Guess (ITV) 1987–1988. Electronic and instrumental score.
- The Cancer Question (BBC) 1990. Sampled score.
- Music For You And You And You (BBC) Instrumental and electronic score.
- Dance International (BBC) 1989–1990. Sampled score.
- Problems (HTV) 1989–1991. Sampled score.
- Sound On Film (BBC) 1988–1990. Musique-Concrete And Electronic score.
- John Tovey’s Entertaining On A Plate (BBC) 1990–1991. Electronic score.
- Wildlife On Two (BBC) 1992–1996. Electronic score.
- Europe - On The Brink (BBC) 1993. Sampled score.
- Limited Edition (HTV) 1994–1997. Sampled score.
- Frieze Frame (HTV) 1997–1998. Sampled score.
Light entertainment
- Keynotes (ITV) Electronic arrangements of popular songs plus computer programming for 45 episodes.
- The Weekend Starts Here (HTV) Specially commissioned musical piece performed live on the show by Martin Kiszko.
- Get Fresh (ITV) Instrumental arrangement of a song for film insert.
Corporate theatrical Release
- A Pattern of Energy (Total Oil) Titles and incidental music. Orchestral score.
- The Nature of the Thames (Thames water Authority) Titles and incidental music. Chamber orchestral score. Also conductor.
- Flotsam (British Children’s Film Foundation) Electronic score.
- Stuart Devlin - Master Goldsmith, Instrumental and electronic score.
- Radiotherapy (Bristol Radiotherapy Centre) Electro-acoustic score.
- The Cold Chain (United Nation WHO) Instrumental score.
- Prudential (Prudential Assurance Company) Electronic score.
- Upper Lid Surgery (Christofel Blinden Mission) Electronic score.
- In Search of Tomorrow (BP/Worldwide) Electronic score.
Commercials
- Homeworld, Instrumental and electronic score.
- 3i Capital City, Instrumental and electronic score.
- Totem Timber, Instrumental score.
Dance, concert, and stage works
- A Radius Of Curves, 2006 Cantata for baritone, choir, orchestra and film. City of Bristol special commission to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Brunel’s birth. World Premiere Clifton Cathedral Bristol, 31 March 2006. Emerald EnsembleEmerald EnsembleThe Bristol Ensemble, formerly the Emerald Ensemble, is a professional chamber orchestra, based in Bristol, England. The ensemble has been in existence since 1994, when it was formed as a musician's collective by violinist Roger Huckle. Their repertoire includes classical, popular, jazz and...
and Exultate SingersExultate SingersThe Exultate Singers is a choir based in Bristol, UK, made up of 40 adult singers. It has mostly specialised in Christian sacred music.-History:...
. - Le Regard du Silence, 2004 Dance work choreographed by Bernard Espinasse using some of the music of martin Kiszko. Performed by The Dancers of Ballet du Nord, France.
- Inua, 2003 – Multi-media music-dance-film work for 28 children, 4 Soundbeams (Ultrasonics), 6 Soundbeam footswitches, Soundbeam manipulated pictures, Vocals, Flute, Guitar and Violin. World Premiere December 16, 2003. Worcester Cathedral. Winner of 2004 Composer of the Year Award in the Community and Education category from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
- After the Rain, Sergi Belbel play performed by German Theatre Company ‘Augenblicke’ using score from The Natural World - Himalaya.
- Sea Star, 2001. Cantata for Tenor, 150 singers and Symphony Orchestra. Words by Anne Ridler. World Premiere June 30, 2001. Clifton Cathedral, Bristol.
- Hearts of Earth And Fire, 1994. A choral and chamber orchestral work commissioned by Clifton Cathedral, Bristol. With words by poet Anne Ridler.
- The Man from Glasgow, 10 songs for Jack Marriott’s black farce. Also music director and performer. Staged at Little Theatre, Colston Hall, Bristol.
- Grotz B. Grooble and the Gobgunger Revenge, Community theatre. Sampled score.
- Driving Passions, A musical.
- Romeo and Juliet, Cafe Arts Theatre world touring production using the score from Even the Animals Must be Free.
- Night Lights, 1986. A multi-media work for actor, slide projections, video, saxophone, percussion, synthesisers and live electronics.
- The Stratagem of Nauplius, 1984. A multi-media work for virtuoso trombonist James Fulkerson using video, live electronics and computer text. Performed at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival 1984.
- Cairoglyph, 1983. A multi-media work for actor Tony Robinson. Scored for video, audiotape, piano and live electronics. Performed by Elektrodome at Bretton Hall College, West Yorkshire.
- Six Autumn Sketches, 1988. Clarinet and piano.
- Alwyn North, 1988. A concert overture for orchestra.
Church Works
- Marriage Morning, 2003 For choir, Clt, Tbn, Pno, Org, Elec. Bass, Vln.
- Acclaim This Day, For choir, Latin percussion, piano, violin and electric bass.
- My Heart Is Filled With Goodly Things, For tenor, choir, piano and cello.
- Unto Us A Child Is Born, For choir, flute, guitars, piano and electric bass. Performed live on BBC Radio Bristol.
- Sing it Aloud, For choir, synthesisers, saxophone and percussion.
- Trumpet Voluntary.
- Wedding March, Organ.
- This Child Of Ours, For tenor solo and piano.
Selected recordings ~ Martin Kiszko Albums
- The Killing of John Lennon (2007) Original Soundtrack Score composed and conducted by Martin Kiszko. 57’ 00”. Featuring The Emerald Ensemble.
- The Age Demanded, 2007 Film/TV Music (Re-release); MK20072; Martin Kiszko Soundtracks.
- A Radius of Curves, Cantata (Live Performance) 2006; Martin Kiszko Soundtracks; Emerald Ensemble/Exultate SingersExultate SingersThe Exultate Singers is a choir based in Bristol, UK, made up of 40 adult singers. It has mostly specialised in Christian sacred music.-History:...
cond. David OgdenDavid OgdenDavid Kevin Ogden was the mayor of Lower Hutt in the Wellington region of New Zealand.David Ogden was elected first elected Mayor in 2004, beating incumbent Mayor John Terris....
; Dur. 44’ 53”. - Sea Star, Cantata (Live Performance) 2001; Martin Kiszko Soundtracks/Hoxa; Spiritual Sounds Festival Orchestra and Choir cond. David OgdenDavid OgdenDavid Kevin Ogden was the mayor of Lower Hutt in the Wellington region of New Zealand.David Ogden was elected first elected Mayor in 2004, beating incumbent Mayor John Terris....
; Dur. 40’ 00”. - Battle of the Sexes, 1999 TV Soundtrack; Silva Screen Records; City of Prague Philharmonic; cond. Harry RabinowitzHarry RabinowitzHarry Rabinowitz MBE is a conductor and composer of film and television music.Harry Rabinowitz is the son of Israel Rabinowitz and Eva, née Kirkel...
; Dur. 61’ 00”. - The Age Demanded, 1998 Film/TV Music, MK1010, Martin Kiszko Soundtracks; Munich Symphony Orchestra, City of Prague Philharmonic, London Film Orchestra and others; cond. Harry Rabinowitz, Allan Wilson, Martin Kiszko; Dur: 73’ 30”.
- The Uninvited, 1997 Film/TV Music; OC0007; Ocean Deep Soundtracks; London Film Orchestra/Ambrosian Singers cond. Martin Kiszko; Dur. 67’ 15”.
- The Millennium March, 2000 Spoof/Comedy Album; MK2000; Martin Kiszko Soundtracks; City of Prague Philharmonic and others cond. Allan Wilson; Dur. 20’ 20.
- The Ocellus Suite, music from the BBC’s Alien Empire, 1995 Film/TV Music; 7243 8 3619023; BBC and Soundtrack Music Records Production; Munich Symphony Orchestra cond. Harry Rabinowitz; Dur. 70’ 24”.