New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Young. Recorded by RNZ Concert, 12 February 2001.
Michael Williams Photo: SOUNZ
Michael Williams is a senior lecturer in composition and electroacoustic music at the University of Waikato. He has received commissions from most of New Zealand’s major institutions, and his music is regularly broadcast here on Radio New Zealand Concert. His music covers a wide range of genres including chamber music, orchestral, concerti and operas. He also maintains an interest in the digital manipulation of acoustic instruments.
In Synaesthesia Williams uses pitch class sets like chemistry, to mix and create interesting and vibrantly colourful harmonic sounds. The name 'Synaesthesia' is perhaps most well known in music circles through Messiaen and his ability to perceive colour through sound; sometimes called colour hearing. However, Michael’s use of this term in relation to this piece was more broad. He had in mind the stimulation of one sense activating another." - Kenneth Young
